Editing Diddy Kong

{{character infobox

|image=[[File:MK8D_BCP_Diddy_Kong_Artwork.png{{!}}250px]]<br>Artwork for the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass]]''

|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[List of games by date#1994|1994]])

|latest_appearance=''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' (''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'', Wave 6) (2023)

|latest_portrayal=[[Katsumi Suzuki]] (2004–present)

{{quote|I am the brave Diddy Kong. Show yourself, if you are friendly. If not, then get ready for the fight of your life!|Diddy Kong|[[Donkey Kong Country (novel)|Donkey Kong Country]]}}

'''Diddy Kong''' is a [[List of characters|character]] introduced in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]''. He is the best friend and sidekick of [[Donkey Kong]], assisting him on several of his journeys and appearing commonly in spin-off games of the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, effectively taking the role of [[Donkey Kong Jr.]] Diddy Kong sports a red shirt with yellow stars and a red hat with the Nintendo logo and has a tail, unlike most Kongs. "{{iw|wiktionary|Diddy}}" is a slang word in some parts of northern England for "small," as Diddy Kong is. Diddy Kong occasionally pairs up with his girlfriend, [[Dixie Kong]]. Diddy is the starring character of the racing game, ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', and its [[reissue|remake]], ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''.

During the development of ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', the designers wanted the player to be capable of taking multiple hits, but they also aimed for the screen to be as "clutter-free" as possible, thereby forbidding the usage of a health bar. Having noted the "[[Super Mario (form)|big Mario]] to [[small Mario]]" system used in the ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' games, Rare created Diddy Kong as a visual "extra hit." The design for the character was originally intended to be a redesign of [[Donkey Kong Jr.]], but Nintendo felt that its design was too different and insisted that Rare either make the design for Junior closer to his original appearance or make the new design an entirely different character. Rare, feeling that the design fit the "updated" Donkey Kong universe that the company was aiming to create, had decided to keep its design. During the process of naming the character, several names were suggested by Rare employees, including "Diet DK," "DK Lite," and "Titchy Kong." The name "Dinky Kong" was chosen, but it was later changed to "Diddy" due to legal considerations<ref>{{cite|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20120316134452/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/895227/the_making_of_donkey_kong_country.html|title=''The Making Of Donkey Kong Country''|publisher=NowGamer|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> with {{wp|Dinky Toys}},<ref>{{cite|author=Shesez|date=November 21, 2019|timestamp=14:03|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwWHzilbQ34&t=843s|title=The Donkey Kong Country 25th Anniversary Interview Documentary|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=August 8, 2023}}</ref> although the name would eventually be used as [[Kiddy Kong]]'s Japanese name.

[[File:Diddy Kong DKC.png|thumb|left|Artwork from ''Donkey Kong Country'', showing Diddy Kong's first depiction]]

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' as well as both its [[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|first]] and [[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)|second remake]]. He assists Donkey Kong as the second player and sidekick, similarly but not identically to [[Luigi]]'s relation to [[Mario]]'s. Diddy is described as being a "Donkey Kong wannabe," [[Fourth wall|wanting to be a video game hero]] like Donkey Kong.<ref>{{cite|quote=Although he would never admit it, Diddy Kong is a [[Donkey Kong]] wannabe. His ambition in life is to be a video game hero just like the big guy. And although Donkey Kong would never say it to Diddy’s face, the kid has potential. He’s fast, agile, and has the heart to be a world class video game hero. He just needs a little more experience and, of course, exposure!|language=en-us|date=1994|publisher=Nintendo of America|title=''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]]) instruction manual|page=14}}</ref> Diddy is inside the first [[DK Barrel]] in [[Jungle Hijinxs (Donkey Kong Country)|Jungle Hijinx]], after the [[Kremling Krew]] raids the [[banana hoard]],<ref name=kremlingkrew group=note>The perpetrator of Diddy's defeat is inconsistent. The manual associated with the original version states that Diddy is defeated by Klump, though the opening cutscene of the Game Boy Advance remakes shows Krusha defeating him.</ref> overpower him.<ref>{{cite|language=en-us|date=1994|publisher=Nintendo of America|title=''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]]) instruction manual|page=4-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite|date=2000|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|title=''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[Game Boy Color|GBC]]) instruction manual|page=2-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite|language=en-us|title=''[[Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' ([[Game Boy Advance|GBA]]) instruction manual|page=6-7|date=2003|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> Donkey and Diddy Kong have the same basic abilities, such as [[jump]]ing, [[dash|running]], and rolling. Diddy has his own rolling move, [[Cartwheel Attack]], which he can use to defeat enemies or briefly in midair to gain some momentum. Compared to Donkey Kong, Diddy is more agile, capable of jumping higher, moves faster, and holds a barrel in front of him rather than above his head. However, Diddy is weaker, not only from throwing barrels a shorter distance, but because he cannot defeat [[Krusha]]s and [[Klump]]s by [[stomp]]ing them, and he has to stomp an [[Army]] twice to defeat it.

 

If the player achieves a completion rating of 90% or higher in the second remake, they unlock the "Hero Mode," where Diddy is the only player character, though with a yellow cap and shirt.

Diddy is a playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' and its [[Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance)|remake]]. He retains his abilities from ''Donkey Kong Country'', though he is now the first player rather than the second, with Dixie now taking that role. Diddy and Dixie Kong can do a [[team up]] move, allowing one of the Kongs to pick each other up and throw another to get across obstacles or reach higher elevations. Diddy has his own time attack mode in the remake, titled [[Diddy's Dash]], where he is controlled through levels without the aid of Dixie.

 

In the game's story, the Kremling Krew kidnaps Donkey Kong and sends him away to their island, [[Crocodile Isle]]. K. Rool, now Kaptain K. Rool, threatens to keep Donkey Kong as a prisoner unless the Kongs give the banana hoard to him. Diddy refuses, so he and Dixie travel through Crocodile Isle. Whenever the player visits the [[Monkey Museum]], Cranky chastises him and Dixie, believing them not to be actual video game heroes,<ref>{{cite|quote=Oh, it's you again. I thought it might be a real video game hero...|author=[[Cranky Kong]]|title=''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''|publisher=[[Rare Ltd.]]|language=en|date=November 21, 1995|accessdate=January 3, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|quote=Diddy, I thought you were a cheap character in [[Donkey Kong Country|DKC]], but [[Dixie Kong|Dixie]]'s even worse! It should be me on my own, that it should!|author=[[Cranky Kong]]|title=''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''|publisher=Rare Ltd.|date=November 21, 1995|accessdate=January 3, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite|quote=Well, well, well, if it isn't our trainee hero! I didn't expect you to find this [[Lost World (Donkey Kong Country 2)|place]], sonny. You must have got luck. Now that you're here, I'd better tell you about it.|author=[[Cranky Kong]]|title=''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]''|publisher=Rare Ltd.|date=November 21, 1995|accessdate=January 3, 2024}}</ref> hence the inclusion of [[Cranky's Video Game Heroes]], an awards ceremony in which Cranky tallies up who has collected the most [[DK Coin|Video Game Hero Coins]], for which he hid in every level.

Diddy is a non-playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]'' He and Donkey Kong both have a smaller role, though the events begin with them exploring the [[Northern Kremisphere]].<ref>{{cite|quote=Dear [[Dixie Kong|Dixie]]<br>Gone exploring [[Northern Kremisphere|the islands]] with [[Donkey Kong|DK]], Back tomorrow!<br>--Diddy|title=''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!'' instruction booklet|page=5|date=1996|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> Since the two had not returned from their trip, Dixie goes to look for them, with her cousin, [[Kiddy Kong]]. In gameplay, Diddy and Donkey are seen only in [[Kastle Kaos]], where after defeating [[King K. Rool|Baron K. Roolenstein]], it is revealed that the two were trapped inside of [[KAOS]]. Additionally, the [[Donkey Kong Country 3 (Game Boy Advance)|remake]] adds Diddy as one of the Kongs to defend from [[Kremling]]s in the [[Funky's Rentals (minigame)|Funky's Rentals]] challenge "Protect."

[[File:DiddyKCR.png|thumb|upright=0.85|Artwork from ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'']]

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' and [[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D|its remake]]. Diddy is first seen in the opening cutscene, where he is the first to notice the banana hoard being stolen and attempts to retrieve it from the animals controlled by the [[Tiki Tak Tribe]] to steal them. Diddy is unsuccessful and forced into a DK Barrel. After being freed, Diddy and Donkey Kong go on a journey similar to ''Donkey Kong Country'' where they travel through the various regions of the island while fighting the operatives in each of them. In single player mode, Diddy stays on Donkey Kong's back, and Diddy can use his [[Barrel Jet]] to make both of them hover temporarily. Diddy is always controlled by the second player in multiplayer, with the added option of controlling him individually. Diddy has more agility than Donkey Kong, and he can still control the [[Barrel Jet]] in midair and stun enemies using his [[Popgun|Peanut Popgun]]. Diddy has different roles after defeating [[Tiki Tong]] in the final battle. If he and Donkey Kong are together, the explosion of Tiki Tong sends them into space, where Diddy panics before DK knocks the moon out of orbit to hit Tiki Tong Tower. If Donkey Kong completes the battle alone, Diddy appears unexpectedly to save him from a large fall. If Diddy completes the battle alone, his Barrel Jet malfunctions as he tries to break from the gravitational pull of the moon; as a result, Diddy crashes into the moon headfirst, knocking it out of orbit and onto Tiki Tong Tower, before falling unconsciously and awakening in DK's hands.

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'' and [[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|its port]]. He is first seen during the game's opening cutscene, appearing to celebrate DK's birthday with Dixie and [[Cranky Kong|Cranky]], only for the four to be interrupted by the [[Snowmads]] and blown away to the [[Lost Mangroves]]. Diddy can be released from from DK Barrels specially marked with two blue "DD"s. Diddy retains his moves from ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'', but with added underwater exploration, Diddy can perform the Jet Blast underwater, giving him and Donkey Kong a speed boost, and both of them can use the [[Kong POW]] move together to turn every enemy into [[Red Balloon]]s.

[[File:DKC CN3.jpg|thumb|left|A scene from the "[[Donkey Kong Country (comic)|Donkey Kong Country]]" comic where Diddy and Donkey attack King K. Rool]]

Diddy is one of the protagonists in the ''[[Club Nintendo (German magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' comic "[[Donkey Kong Country (comic)|Donkey Kong Country]]," based on the identically titled game. Diddy is put on duty to watch over the banana hoard, though is discovered by King K. Rool and forced into a barrel. After being discovered and rescued by Donkey Kong, the two track down King K. Rool to defeat him. When King K. Rool is fought, Donkey Kong attacks by throwing Diddy up onto K. Rool.

Diddy lives in a [[Wolkenkratzer|skyscraper]] in [[Brooklyn]] with many other Nintendo characters in "[[Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens]]." During the monsters' invasion of the building, Diddy and Donkey are watching TV, but are interrupted by [[Chuckie]], terrifying them, though Mario, [[Link]] and [[Kirby]] come to save them.

Diddy is one of the Kongs who goes on an expedition to save [[Earth]] from freezing as a giant U.F.O pulls it away from the sun in "[[Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24]]." When it is revealed that the aliens mistook the planet as being a giant {{iw|wikipedia|coconut}}, Diddy decides to give [[banana]]s to the aliens, who promise to return the Earth to its original position.

Diddy Kong is a playable character in the first two games of the ''[[Donkey Kong Land (series)|Donkey Kong Land]]'' series: ''[[Donkey Kong Land]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Land 2]]''. The events of the former game start when Diddy and DK are bet by [[Cranky Kong]] that they cannot recover the [[banana hoard]] from King K. Rool on an [[Game Boy|8-bit handheld]],<ref>{{cite|language=en|date=1995|page=2-3|title=''Donkey Kong Land'' instruction booklet|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> though the two characters manage to travel their way through four [[world]]s and defeat King K. Rool and the Kremlings once more. The events of ''Donkey Kong Land 2'' are a retelling of ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''{{'}}s,<ref>{{cite|language=en|date=1996|publisher=Nintendo of America|title=''Donkey Kong Land 2'' instruction booklet}}</ref> so Diddy has the same role and abilities as before.

Diddy does not appear in ''[[Donkey Kong Land III]]'', but he and Donkey Kong start the game's events when they enter a contest to discover the [[Lost World (Donkey Kong Land III)|Lost World]],<ref>{{cite|language=en|date=1997|publisher=Nintendo of America|title=''Donkey Kong Land III'' instruction booklet|quote=DK and Diddy were one of the first to get caught up in the craze.}}</ref> leaving Dixie and Kiddy Kong behind, both of whom decide to journey as well.

 

Diddy Kong appears throughout the ''[[4koma Gag Battle]]'' manga adaptations of: ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''.

===''Super Mario-kun''===

Diddy Kong appears in the fourteenth volume of the ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'' manga. In the ''Donkey Kong Country'' part of the volume, Diddy and [[Donkey Kong]] are asked by [[Cranky Kong]] to fight [[King K. Rool]], while in the ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' part, Diddy and his girlfriend, [[Dixie Kong]], have to battle Kaptain K. Rool.

In ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle]]'', Donkey Kong introduces his "buddy" Diddy Kong to [[Funky Kong]], who offers Diddy a ride in his [[barrel plane]] around [[Donkey Kong Island]]. During the flight, Diddy Kong notices smoke coming from [[Big Ape City]], which was believed to have been abandoned. Hoping for an adventure, he is willing to investigate, although Funky Kong prefers to not "go looking for trouble". Returning to his treehouse after the flight, Diddy Kong realizes that he still has Funky Kong's walkie talkie, and trying to contact him reveals that his plane is being attacked by "[[Hogwash the Flying Pig|flying pigs]]" over [[Big Ape City]]. Diddy Kong immediately agrees to travel with Donkey Kong to the city, joined by a reluctant [[Cranky Kong]].

[[File:CartoonDiddy.jpg|thumb|left|Diddy Kong in the ''Donkey Kong Country'' television series]]

Diddy Kong is one of the main characters in the [[Donkey Kong Country (television series)|''Donkey Kong Country'' television series]]. Most of the episodes involve Diddy usually watching over the [[Crystal Coconut]] with Donkey Kong. Diddy Kong resembles his appearance in ''Donkey Kong Country'', since his shirt lacks the yellow stars and his hat lacks the [[Nintendo]] logo. Diddy was voiced by [[Andrew Sabiston]] during the entire run of the series.

===''Diddy Kong Racing'' / ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''===

[[File:Diddywrench.png|thumb|Artwork from ''Diddy Kong Racing'', showing Diddy with a wrench and a wheel]]

Diddy is the starring character of ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' and [[Diddy Kong Racing DS|its remake]]. In the prologue, Diddy gets a letter from [[Timber]], who asks Diddy to help save [[Timber's Island]] from [[Wizpig]],<ref>{{cite|title=''Diddy Kong Racing'' instruction booklet|date=1997|language=en|publisher=Nintendo of America|page=5}}</ref> which the remake makes an opening cutscene out of. At the end, Diddy, Timber, and their friends manage to expel Wizpig and free the Timber's Island guardians from his mind control. Diddy has balanced stats, his vehicle number is 1, and his top speed without [[banana]]s is 56 mph. Diddy has a blue vehicle color in the original ''Diddy Kong Racing'' only.

===''Mario no Bōken Land''===

[[File:DiddyBoken.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Diddy Kong, chasing Wizpig on his plane in ''Mario no Bōken Land'']]

Diddy Kong stars as the main character in a ''[[Mario no Bōken Land]]'' chapter, titled "Go Go Diddy!". The story starts out with him, and various other characters, racing together for fun, him being in 10th place. Wizpig interrupts the race, attacks Taj the Genie, and rips up his carpet. After Wizpig escapes the scene, Taj casts a spell to transform Mario, Peach and Diddy's cars into planes; it is then that Diddy, Mario and Princess Peach follow him to fight him. Mario and Peach are overtaken by Wizpig throwing bombs, but Diddy Kong manages to dodge his projectile missile. Diddy then buries Wizpig under a pile of rocks, and after Wizpig's defeat, all the other racers decide to forfeit the race that was in progress and declare Diddy Kong the winner because of his heroic actions. He is seen with a crown, with various characters, celebrating his victory over Wizpig.

[[File:Diddy8.jpg|thumb|x150px|left|Artwork from ''Donkey Kong 64'']]

Diddy is a playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. He and a few other Kongs are held hostage by King K. Rool after his [[Blast-o-Matic]] is damaged accidentally. Diddy is freed by Donkey Kong in [[Jungle Japes]]. Diddy can collect red bananas and [[Banana Coin|coins]]. Besides being the only Kong who can [[Double Jump (consecutive)|Double Jump]], Diddy has three of his own moves that he can learn at [[Cranky's Lab]], including [[Chimpy Charge]], [[Rocketbarrel Boost]], and [[Simian Spring]]. Diddy's musical instrument is the [[Guitar Gazump|electric guitar]], which he obtains from [[Candy's Music Shop]]. His weapon is the popguns, which he obtains from [[Funky's Store]]. Diddy has two of his own [[Bonus Level|Bonus Stage]]s to complete in [[Hideout Helm]] to deactivate the red current flowing within the Blast-o-Matic. Diddy is later selected as the second Kong to fight [[King K. Rool|King Krusha K. Rool]] in the [[boxing arena]], where he uses his Rocketbarrel Boost to shoot two targets on each of the light fixtures until one gets stuck on K. Rool's head, ending the round.

Diddy has three alternate color schemes in Monkey Smash, which include yellow, green, and blue.

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour]]''. He is first seen briefly in the opening scene. For his par animation, Diddy nods and gives a thumbs up. When getting a birdie, Diddy jumps joyfully and gives two thumbs-ups. When achieving an eagle or a higher rating, Diddy performs a handstand with one arm and then flips before giving a thumbs up. If he gets a bogey, Diddy moans shamefully. If Diddy gets a double bogey or a lower rating he jumps and flails erratically in midair before stopping in midair and crashing neck-first back to the ground.

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''. He is seen looking at a bowl of bananas in the Castle Club's Royal Room. The shop has golf clubs, a ball, and clothes based on Diddy available for purchase, though the clothes can be received also by participating in tournaments. Diddy's costume can be unlocked by completing every Star Coin challenge in the [[Sky Island]] course. Some of Diddy's voice clips are recycled from ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''. For his par animation, Diddy flips and strikes a pose. When achieving a birdie, Diddy puts on his [[Barrel Jet]] and flies in victory. His animation for achieving an eagle or a higher rating show Diddy flying so high on his Barrel Jet out of joy that he ends up in [[Earth]]'s atmosphere next to space, leaving him [[Fourth wall|staring at the camera]] completely shocked and baffled. If he gets a bogey, he lies down in frustration while eating a banana. If he gets a double bogey or worse, he lies down in frustration while eating a banana, then tosses the peel and tries to get up, only to slip on the peel in the process.

[[File:Donkey Kong and Diddy - Mario Kart Double Dash.png|thumb|left|Artwork from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', showing Diddy and his partner, Donkey Kong, riding the [[DK Jumbo]] together]]

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' Diddy is a lightweight character. He is partnered with Donkey Kong by default. Both characters have the [[Giant Banana]] as their [[Special Item (Mario Kart series)|special item]]. Diddy's personal [[kart]] is the [[Barrel Train]].

====''Mario Kart Arcade GP'' subseries====

Diddy makes a cameo appearance in ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]''. In both games, he appears in [[Bananan Ruins]], cheering within the crowd whenever the player character crosses the [[Finish line (object)|finish line]].

Diddy is an unlockable playable character in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]''. He is classified as a middleweight character. Diddy is unlocked by either winning the 50cc [[Lightning Cup]] or by playing 450 races. He features a small acceleration and drift bonus while getting a strong mini-turbo bonus. Diddy Kong is a staff ghost for the course [[Wii Maple Treeway|Maple Treeway]]. There is both a [[list of Mario Kart Wii trading cards|normal and foil trading card]] of Diddy, and the back of his card has spelling error saying "...he his{{sic}} one fun driver."

====''Mario Kart Tour''====

[[File:Diddy Kong Mario Kart Tour.jpg|thumb|150px|Screenshot from ''Mario Kart Tour'']]

Diddy Kong is a playable character of the Super type in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''. His special item is the [[Banana Barrels]], which he shares with [[Funky Kong]] and the [[Mii|Light Green Mii Racing Suit]].

====''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''====

Diddy Kong was added to ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' as a playable character through the sixth and final wave of the ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'', alongside Funky Kong, [[Pauline]], and [[Peachette]].<ref name=Wave6>{{cite|language=en-us|author=Nintendo of America|date=September 14, 2023|url=youtu.be/BiJ7IoeuhXE|title=''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'' - Booster Course Pass Wave 6 - Nintendo Switch 9.14.2023|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=September 14, 2023}}</ref> He is among the lightest middleweight characters, sharing statistics with [[Cat Mario|Cat Peach]], [[Inkling|Inkling Girl]], and female [[Villager]]. A CPU controlled Diddy Kong uses the same kart combination options as [[Toad]].

Diddy, along with Donkey Kong appears in ''[[Donkey Konga]]''. In this game, he and [[Donkey Kong]] find a pair of [[bongo]]s. With Diddy worrying that it could be King K. Rool's trap, he and Donkey Kong take them to [[Cranky Kong]]. Diddy tries to play it while Donkey Kong claps. The two leave, and continue to play their bongos. Diddy is also a playable character in the game. Diddy Kong appears as a playable character in the sequel, ''[[Donkey Konga 2]]'', where Diddy, his girlfriend, [[Dixie Kong]], and Donkey Kong are the three playable characters. All of them return in ''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]'', with [[Funky Kong]] being added as the fourth player.

Diddy is first seen in the opening cutscene of ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'', knocking back Bob-ombs thrown by [[Wario]], [[Waluigi]], and [[Bowser]]. He is also in various trophy ceremonies. For his own, Diddy arrives at the stadium, starts walking around Luigi, then flips the trophy with his tail in the air and catches while he celebrates his victory with Donkey Kong. Diddy is first seen in Koopa Troopa's trophy ceremony eating bananas and discarding a banana peel, which the Koopa trips over by accident before receiving his trophy. Diddy also causes [[Wiggler]] to trip in the latter's trophy ceremony, from a tennis ball, which Diddy also trips on accidentally, landing onto both Luigi and Wiggler, ending with the latter chasing Diddy and Luigi angrily. As a playable character, Diddy is billed a Speed type. His [[Power Shot (Mario Tennis series)|Offensive Power Shot]] is [[Acrobatic Banana]], and his [[Power Shot (Mario Tennis series)|Defensive Power Shot]] is [[Barrel Jet]]. He is partnered in doubles matches with [[Donkey Kong]] by default.

Diddy is a playable character in ''[[Mario Tennis Open]]''. He is billed a speedy player. Diddy is typically paired with Donkey Kong. A tennis outfit and racket based on Diddy can be bought from the Tennis Gear Store. A Mii costume in Diddy's likeness is unlocked by meeting 20 Mii characters via {{iw|nwiki|StreetPass}}.

[[File:MTA Models Diddy.png|thumb|100px|Artwork from ''Mario Tennis Aces'']]

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Mario Tennis Aces]]''. He was available as a participation prize for the September online tournament, or as of October 1, 2018. Diddy is a speedy character. His [[Trick Shot]]s are "Acrobatics" for forwards and "Diddy Roll" for sideways. His [[Special Shot (Mario Tennis Aces)|Special Shot]] is the "Jungle Swing".

Diddy is a playable character in [[Jungle Jam]] and the unlockable Diddy Mode in ''[[DK: King of Swing]]''. The Diddy Mode is unlocked by collecting 24 [[Medal (DK: King of Swing)|medal]]s as Donkey Kong. Diddy is one of the playable characters in the [[Jungle Jam]], where he can jump high but has a weak attack.

Diddy Kong is the sidekick of Donkey Kong in ''[[DK: Jungle Climber]]''. He can be launched by DK to hit objects and reach areas that are otherwise inaccessible. Diddy is required when using either the Hammer, Wings, or Torch. powerups. Diddy is raced at the start and in one of the minigames.

Diddy Kong is a computer-controlled opponent in ''[[Yakuman DS]]''. He is one of twenty-one opponents.

Diddy Kong is first seen in the opening cinematic of ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'', where he hits a pitch thrown from Wario with a bunt, and lastly in the closing cinematic, where he greets Mario at the baseball field before Bowser arrives on scene and challenges Mario's team to a baseball game. As a playable character, Diddy has fast running and good fielding whilst having average pitching and weak batting. Diddy is a member of Donkey Kong's team in Challenge mode. His special ball is the [[Boomerang Ball]], which launches the ball out like a Boomerang to trick the other team. It can be used when the player purchases the [[Chimp Banana]] in the store from challenge mode. His other special moves are [[Clamber]] and [[Super Catch]]. He shares good chemistry with Donkey Kong, Goomba, and Dixie Kong, and does not share bad chemistry with any character.

[[File:DiddyKong MSS.jpg|thumb|Artwork from ''Mario Super Sluggers'']]

Diddy Kong is first seen in the opening cutscene of ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]'', where he is saved by Donkey Kong from being crushed by a giant barrel in [[DK Jungle (baseball stadium)|DK Jungle]], and in the cutscene shown after defeating Bowser's team in Challenge Mode, Diddy is one of the characters who celebrates before leaving. Diddy is both a playable character and captain, having a team name of Diddy Monkeys; his star swing is the [[Banana Swing]]; and his star pitch is the [[Banana Ball]]. Diddy received slightly improved batting, a good fielding boost, and a lowered running stat. Diddy shares good chemistry with all the Kongs, bad chemistry with the Kritters and King K. Rool, and is the only character with no good chemistry with any of the [[Mii]] colors. Diddy is a member of [[DK Wilds]] in Challenge mode, also guarding the statue that once held the stone tablet while the protagonists search for the missing pieces. Diddy joins the team in Challenge mode when Bowser Jr. is revealed to be holding [[Tiny Kong]] hostage. A game against the DK Wilds can be played once the team is assembled and the player talks to Diddy, who explains their strength and defense.

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]''. He is billed a part of the Speedy class. His [[Special Shot (Mario Hoops 3-on-3 and Mario Sports Mix)|Special Shot]] is the [[Jet Shot]], which summons a jet pack that takes Diddy to the basket.

===''Donkey Kong Barrel Blast''===

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''. He has low speed but a good boost and handling. His rival is [[Kip]].

====''Mario Strikers Charged''====

Diddy Kong is first seen in the intro of ''[[Mario Strikers Charged]]'', where he gets sucked into some cyclone, though Diddy managed to survive it, as shown when he receives the ball and jumps into the air, smashing all of Yoshi's Dry Bones in the process and making a great kick. Diddy is an unlockable captain who can be unlocked by defeating him in the [[Crystal Cup]]. He is a Playmaker Captain who is very swift and agile. Diddy Kong appears to have supernatural powers, as seen with his [[Super Ability]], [[Red Card!]], which summons a beam of light to take players out of the field, and his [[Mega Strike]], in which he launches in the air, moves into a Buddha position, and touches the ball with the tip of his tail, sending it flying. Diddy has more of a human-like voice on certain occasions, such as when shoved by an opponent, being affected by Wario's "[[Gas Mask!]]" ability, and getting electrocuted. Diddy's theme music for scoring and making his home entrance is Hindustani classical music. One of Diddy's winning animations involves him performing a victory dance, grinning sheepishly, whilst two of Diddy's losing animations show him moping around, and another where he pounds his fists into the ground angrily.

====''Mario Strikers: Battle League''====

[[File:MSBL Diddy Kong artwork.png|thumb|Artwork from ''Mario Strikers: Battle League'']]

Diddy Kong returns as a playable character in ''[[Mario Strikers: Battle League]]'', added through the version 1.2.0 update alongside [[Pauline]].<ref name=Update2>{{cite|author=Nintendo|date=September 13, 2022|url=youtu.be/w_Pl2V8hckE|title=''Mario Strikers: Battle League'' 2nd Free Update – Nintendo Direct 9.13.22 – Nintendo Switch|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=September 13, 2022}}</ref> In this game, his best attributes are his speed and passing, while he has weaker strength and shooting. In his [[Hyper Strike]], Barrel Boom, he shoots himself from a [[Blast Barrel]] towards the ball.

[[File:MPSR Artwork - Diddy Kong.png|thumb|left|Artwork from ''Mario Party: Star Rush'', his first playable appearance in the ''Mario Party'' series]]

Diddy Kong is a non-playable character in the Story Mode of ''[[Mario Party DS]]'', where the characters help Diddy free Donkey Kong from being a statue that [[Dry Bones]] had turned into, and Diddy happily rewards the characters with the third [[Sky Crystal]]. Diddy is similarly non-playable in ''[[Mario Party 9]]'', being the mid-boss for [[DK's Jungle Ruins]].

Diddy does not physically appear in ''[[Mario Party 10]]'', but a statue resembling him mounted on Donkey Kong is on the southern side of the [[Donkey Kong Board]]. Diddy is not physically present in ''[[Mario Party: The Top 100]]'', though his name is mentioned when scanning the Diddy Kong amiibo, giving them ten coins.

Diddy Kong is an unlockable character in ''[[Mario Party: Star Rush]]''. He can be unlocked by earning enough party points to reach level 11 or by scanning a Diddy Kong [[amiibo]]. Diddy can break barrels in Toad Scramble to earn coins, and his [[Triple 7 Dice Block]] has half a chance of rolling either a 0 or a 7. Using a Diddy Kong amiibo in Coinathlon causes Diddy to always begin two [[Double Medal]]s. Diddy Kong retains his unlockable status in ''[[Super Mario Party]]'', now having to be unlocked by completing [[Chestnut Forest]]. Diddy's special [[Dice Block]] in the game has one face that gives him two coins only, without moving any steps; two faces that display 0s; and three faces that display 7s.

{{SSB fighter infobox

|color=red

|image=DiddyKong_SSBU.png

|games=''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''<br>''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' (unlockable)

|standard=[[Popgun#Super Smash Bros. series|Peanut Popgun]]

|final=[[Rocketbarrel Barrage]] (''Brawl'', ''for 3DS'' / ''Wii U''); [[Hyper Rocketbarrel]] (''Ultimate'')

{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Diddy Kong}}

Diddy Kong is first mentioned in Donkey Kong's character biography and trophy in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. He has become a playable {{iw|smashwiki|fighter}} in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]] since ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. He is swift, agile, and very acrobatic. Diddy Kong has a {{iw|smashwiki|weight}} value of 93 units in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' and ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U'', later decreased to 90 units in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. Diddy has realistic monkey voices, akin to Donkey Kong's gorilla-like noises, replacing their usual cartoony noises.

{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Diddy Kong (SSBB)}}

As a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', Diddy's {{iw|smashwiki|special move}}s are [[Popgun#Super Smash Bros. series|Peanut Popgun]], which lets him shoot peanuts at his opponents; [[Monkey Flip]], which lets him leap forward and pummel (or kick) his opponents; [[Rocketbarrel Boost]], which can be charged to fly through the air; and [[Banana Peel (move)|Banana Peel]], which when thrown, makes his opponents [[trip]]. His [[Final Smash]] is [[Rocketbarrel Barrage]], a combination of his Peanut Popgun and Rocketbarrel Boost. Diddy is referred to by {{iw|smashwiki|Snake (SSBB)|Snake}} in his associated {{iw|smashwiki|Codec Conversations|Codec Conversation}} as a "chimpanzee in a Nintendo hat."

[[File:SubspaceIntro-DiddyKong.png|200px|thumb|left|Diddy Kong's snapshot in the Subspace Emissary]]

In the events of {{iw|smashwiki|Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary}}, Diddy is first encountered within Donkey Kong in [[the Jungle]], helping him recover bananas stolen from the [[Koopa Troop]]. Diddy is later knocked away to safety by Donkey Kong before he is transformed into a [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros. series)|trophy]] by [[Bowser]]'s {{iw|smashwiki|Dark Cannon}}. At {{iw|smashwiki|the Lake}}, Diddy encounters {{iw|bulbapedia|Rayquaza (Pokémon)|Rayquaza}} and forces {{iw|smashwiki|Fox (SSBB)|Fox}} to help him fight Rayquaza. As the two characters reach the {{iw|smashwiki|the Swamp}} later on, Bowser successfully turns Diddy into a trophy and clones him into {{iw|smashwiki|False character#False Diddy Kong|False Diddy Kong}} with {{iw|smashwiki|Shadow Bug}}s, eventually multiplying in size. After Diddy is revived, he defeats the clone and teams up with {{iw|smashwiki|Falco (SSBB)|Falco}}, again by force. Upon discovering that Donkey is being taken to the {{iw|smashwiki|Isle of the Ancients}}, Falco drops Diddy for the Kong to rescue him. After receiving help from {{iw|smashwiki|Captain Falcon (SSBB)|Captain Falcon}} and {{iw|smashwiki|Olimar (SSBB)|Olimar}} to fend off the [[Subspace Army]], the four characters end up at {{iw|smashwiki|the Subspace Bomb Factory}}. Upon meeting {{iw|smashwiki|Samus (SSBB)|Samus}} and {{iw|smashwiki|Pikachu (SSBB)|Pikachu}}, [[R.O.B.]] reveals himself just before they are forced to evacuate the island as it is drawn into {{iw|smashwiki|Subspace}}. In Subspace, {{iw|smashwiki|Tabuu}} turns Diddy and the other gathered heroes into trophies. However, Diddy is among the fighters rescued by {{iw|smashwiki|King Dedede (SSBB)|King Dedede}} and the others with him before they all head into {{iw|smashwiki|the Great Maze}} to defeat Tabuu and save the {{iw|smashwiki|World of Trophies}}.

====''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Wii U''====

{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Diddy Kong (SSB4)}}

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]''. He was originally confirmed to be added on February 21, 2014, the day that ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'' released in anglophone regions. Diddy received improvements with his mobility. He was given longer limbs, giving his attacks more {{iw|smashwiki|range}}. Many of Diddy's attacks deal significantly more {{iw|smashwiki|knockback}}, although his {{iw|smashwiki|damage}} output had been lowered.

====''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''====

[[File:Diddy-kong-3.png|thumb|left|Screenshot from ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'']]

Diddy Kong appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He benefits from universal changes, including faster mobility, decreased {{iw|smashwiki|short hop}} timing, reduced {{iw|smashwiki|landing lag}} with his {{iw|smashwiki|aerial attack}}s; the ability to directionally {{iw|smashwiki|air dodge}}; and using any {{iw|smashwiki|ground attack}} out of a {{iw|smashwiki|run}}, or any aerial attack on {{iw|smashwiki|ladder}}s. Diddy Kong's damage output has been further decreased. Diddy's Monkey Flip and Rocketbarrel Boost moves cover a lot less distance.

In the opening cutscene of {{iw|smashwiki|Adventure Mode: World of Light}}, Diddy is among the fighters who attempt to escape from Galeem's beams of light; Diddy himself attempts to flee using the Rocketbarrel Pack alongside [[Rosalina]] & [[Luma]], but ultimately is consumed and used to create puppet fighters. Diddy is found in the sub-area in the Light Realm resembling the first world of the original ''Donkey Kong Country'', with Diddy himself serving as the "boss" of that area.

Owing to [[King K. Rool]]'s ties to Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong appears alongside Donkey Kong in K. Rool's introduction trailer. Specifically, Diddy Kong lounges lazily in Donkey Kong's treehouse on a tire swing, only to be startled by quakes before looking outside with Donkey to investigate. They then see an ominous shadow, revealed to be {{iw|smashwiki|King Dedede (SSBU)|King Dedede}} wearing a cape and King K. Rool's mask, to their surprise. King Dedede laughs at his joke before being smacked upside the head and knocked away by King K. Rool. In the ending of the trailer, Diddy, alongside Donkey Kong, has their foot and fist, respectively, make contact with King K. Rool's fist with enough force as to cause a shockwave to be emitted throughout the jungle. Diddy also makes an appearance in Banjo & Kazooie's trailer.

 

===''WarioWare'' series===

Diddy appears in a few [[microgame]]s of the [[WarioWare (series)|''WarioWare'' series]]. In [[DK Country]] of ''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase]]'', Diddy is shot out of a moving [[Bonus Barrel]], with the goal being to collect two rows of bananas while avoiding a red [[Zinger]]. In [[Donkey Kong Country Returns (microgame)|Donkey Kong Country Returns]] of ''[[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]'', Diddy is sometimes seen after completing the microgame.

 

Diddy's first three appearances in the [[Mario & Sonic (series)|''Mario & Sonic'' series]] are in the form of an unlockable [[Mii]] outfit. In ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii)|Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'' for the Wii, the suit based on him can be purchased from the boutique. In ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Wii)|Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' for the Wii, the suit is unlocked after playing against a friend 20 times in Single Event mode. In ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games]]'', the Diddy suit is unlocked after completing 3 areas in Legend Showdown.

In more recent installments, Diddy has begun to appear as a playable character. In the [[Nintendo 3DS]] version of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Nintendo 3DS)|Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games]]'', Diddy makes his playable debut in the series, although he can only be played in the [[110m Hurdles (Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games)|110m Hurdles]] event. In the Wii U [[Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)|version]], Diddy is only playable in the [[Rugby Sevens]] event. Oddly, for ''Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games'', Diddy has brown eyes instead of black like in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, and he does not have the Nintendo logo on his cap, possibly because [[Sega]] developed the games. In ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020]]'', Diddy is a Technique character, and he is only playable in Rugby Sevens.

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]''. He is billed a speedy character. Diddy has a slightly higher technique stat countered with a slightly lower power stat. For his Special Shot, Diddy throws a banana in the manner of a boomerang, attempting to stun anyone who tries to counter his shot. Diddy Kong can give his full power shots an added curve in Volleyball.

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Fortune Street]]''. He ranked at Level D, alongside [[Birdo]], [[Donkey Kong]], [[Slime (Dragon Quest)|Slime]], and [[Yangus]].

 

Diddy Kong is a [[Mystery Mushroom]] [[Costume Mario|costume]] in the ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' style of ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'', unlockable by scanning his [[amiibo]] onto the [[Wii U#Wii U GamePad|Wii U GamePad]] or randomly after clearing the 100 Mario Challenge. The costume is an 8-bit rendition of him, and its sounds are taken from ''Donkey Kong Country''.

====''Super Mario Odyssey''====

[[File:SMO Mario Diddy.png|200px|thumb|The "Diddy Kong Suit" from ''Super Mario Odyssey'']]

Diddy Kong is referenced in ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', with one of the billboards in [[Metro Kingdom|New Donk City]] reading "Diddy's Mart," and there is a purchasable costume of Diddy Kong that can be bought after either completing the game and collecting enough Power Moons or using his amiibo through [[Uncle amiibo]].

Diddy Kong is a playable character in ''[[Mario Sports Superstars]]''. Diddy is a Speed type character in most sports, a quality shared with [[Baby Mario]], [[Baby Luigi]], and [[Bowser Jr.]] Diddy has a default drive of 216 yards in golf and makes shots that travel slightly high in a draw trajectory; some of Diddy's voice clips from ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' are also recycled for the Golf gameplay.

===''Dr. Mario World''===

[[File:DrMarioWorld - Sprite Diddy Kong.png|thumb|left|Diddy Kong's mugshot in ''Dr. Mario World'']]

Diddy Kong, under the name '''Dr. Diddy Kong''', was added to ''[[Dr. Mario World]]'' as a playable character on October 31, 2019. Dr. Diddy Kong is a reward in [[World 9 (Dr. Mario World)|World 9]]'s special stage since version 1.2.0, though beating the stage prior to the update will allow him to be obtainable through the doc box.

 

Dr. Diddy Kong's skill is to change full-sized [[capsule]]s into two half-capsules, represented by his Peanut Popgun being fired and a peanut being overlaid on a capsule and being snapped into two. In stage mode, this affects the next four capsules, but in versus, this affects the next three capsules in level 1 and the next six capsules starting from level 2 (higher levels have a faster skill meter charge). When the changed capsule is brought into the stage, it works like a full-sized capsule in that both move simultaneously, but when control of the capsule is released, both halves of the capsule operate individually. Half-sized rainbow capsules are unaffected by this effect. In version 2.3.0, the first capsule affected by this effect are turned into rainbow capsules (half-sized rainbow capsules are still unaffected), which applies to both stage mode and versus.

 

===''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''===

[[File:TSMBM Diddy Kong.png|thumb|220px|Diddy Kong's appearance in ''The Super Mario Bros. Movie''.]]

Diddy Kong can be seen in the audience behind Donkey Kong on [[:File:TSMBM poster DK.jpg|a poster]] for ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]'' with [[Swanky Kong]], [[Dixie Kong]], and [[Cranky Kong]], among various other generic [[Kong]]s. He has been given a slight redesign, with his eyes being separated and his tank top lengthened to cover his legs and show part of his chest along with yellow trimming. His hat has also been redesigned slightly, with the Nintendo logo being absent and a pin with Donkey Kong's emblem on it. He is also the only Kong other than Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong whose name is mentioned in the film.

 

In the film, he is seen in the crowd at the [[Great Ring of Kong]] for Mario and Donkey Kong's fight, cheering for the latter with Dixie and [[Chunky Kong]] sitting next to him. He continues to cheer even after Cranky silences the crowd until he tells him to be quiet, causing Diddy to sheepishly apologize. He is voiced by [[Eric Bauza]].

Diddy was to star in both ''[[Diddy Kong Pilot]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]'' as a main character and a sidekick, respectively, but these games were canceled before they could be released when Nintendo sold [[Rare Ltd.]] to Microsoft.

In 1998, Diddy was featured alongside [[Mario]], [[Yoshi]] and [[Koopa Troopa]] in a {{wp|Pez}} dispenser set.

Diddy appears in ''[[Nintendo Monopoly]]'', costing $260 and taking the role of Ventnor Avenue, as well as being a "Power Pack" expansion figure for ''[[Monopoly Gamer]]''.

Diddy Kong appears in the game ''[[Skylanders: SuperChargers]]'' as part of the SuperCharged version of Donkey Kong's vehicle, the [[Barrel Blaster]]. He is also the basis of Donkey Kong's Soul Gem [[Diddy You Call?]], where after being summoned he can fly around in his Rocketbarrel Pack and attack enemies with his Peanut Popguns, similar to his Final Smash in the ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' series.

In the Super Mario Mash-up in ''[[Minecraft]]'', Diddy Kong appears as a playable skin.

[[File:MPDS Diddy Kong Artwork.png|thumb|Diddy Kong, holding his red hat with the Nintendo logo on it]]

Diddy Kong appears to be designed after a {{iw|wikipedia|spider monkey}}.<ref>{{cite|author=FulgoreAndMore|date=January 29, 2019|url=x.com/FulgoreAndMore/status/1090289667944124417|title=I think we actually ‘pencilled him in’ as a Spider Monkey because we wanted the tail to be his main tool when climbing around. But, let’s just say he’s a monkey. Or a chimpney.|publisher=X|language=en|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> He has versatile feet, and a prehensile tail (the only Kong to possess one), which he uses most of the time to hold certain small items or also hang on objects. Diddy Kong's face is somewhat similar to [[Donkey Kong]]; however, Diddy Kong has big eyes and a less frowned space between the eyebrows, covered in fur, as opposed to Donkey Kong's. His ears are a bit big, the same size of his eyes. Diddy Kong's eyes are usually depicted as black, although ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' depict him with blue eyes. On the other hand, ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' gives him brown eyes. The color of his eyelids varies depending on his appearances; sometimes they are either brown (like in ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' and ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]'') or tan (like in ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' and the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]) and mostly he has no eyelids at all (though he still blinks but his eyes remain open). Upon creation, he originally had four fingers. After the Microsoft acquisition of Rare Ltd., Nintendo now had exclusive rights to Diddy Kong, and altered his look to now have five fingers, starting with ''Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour''.

Diddy Kong's clothing consists of a red cap showing the logo of [[Nintendo]] on its front, and a red tank top, with yellow [[star]]s on it (the details on his clothes were first introduced in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'').

In ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'', an alternate Diddy Kong's clothing was a yellow tank top and a yellow cap. It appeared when two players wished to play independently. In ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'', Diddy Kong appears with another alternate costume as well. In the sequel, Diddy Kong wears a blue costume. In ''[[Mario Strikers Charged]]'', Diddy Kong wears armor, protecting him against hazards set in the game. He wears a pair of wristbands, shoulder-pads, and a cuirasse over his tank top to protect his chest. The armor is mainly yellow, but it turns to purple in case that his opponents wear a similar color scheme. Later in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'', when the [[Super Guide]] mode is activated and [[Super Kong]] breaks a [[DK Barrel]], Super Diddy Kong appears. Super Diddy Kong has white fur instead of brown, and his red cap and tank top have become blue.

 

Throughout the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Diddy Kong has had eight alternate costumes to choose from, including his default appearance. In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', Diddy Kong has 6 costumes, while in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' / ''Wii U'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', he has 8 costumes. Diddy Kong's first alternate costume consists of a yellow tank top with red stars and white cap, while his fur is dark brown, resembling his alternate color in ''Donkey Kong Country''{{'}}s Two-Player Contest mode; his second alternate costume gives him golden brown fur, while his cap and tank top turn pink (the stars also turn white), resembling Dixie Kong; his third alternate costume gives him dark brown fur and a purple tank top and cap, resembling his appearance in ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest''{{'}}s Two-Player Contest mode; his fourth alternate costume gives him reddish-brown fur and a green tank top and cap, resembling one of his alternate colors from ''Donkey Kong 64''{{'}}s multiplayer mode; lastly, his fifth alternate costume gives Diddy Kong a blue tank top and cap, resembling Kiddy Kong. In ''3DS'' / ''Wii U'', Diddy Kong gains his sixth and seventh alternate costumes: the former gives him black fur with a brown tank top and yellow cap, resembling a chimpanzee; the latter gives him light brown fur with a cyan tank top and fur, resembling [[Donkey Kong Jr.]]'s design in ''Donkey Kong Jr. Math''.

In the early ''Donkey Kong Country'' games, as well as the ''Donkey Kong Land'' series, there was no voice acting, though Diddy Kong did have a few realistic monkey sounds provided by Mark Betteridge. However, the games' respective instruction manuals showed Diddy Kong being able to speak full sentences. Diddy Kong was able to speak intelligently in the comic ''Rumble in the Jungle'' and the ''Super Mario Kun'' manga. Diddy Kong first received voice acting in [[Donkey Kong Country (TV series)|the 1998 computer-animated ''Donkey Kong Country'' series]], where he was portrayed by [[Andrew Sabiston]]. In the GameCube-era ''Super Mario'' and ''Donkey Kong'' games, Diddy was voiced by [[Chris Sutherland]], who provided him with a mixture of cartoonish monkey noises and actual words/phrases, such as "Uh-oh!" and "Come on!" From 2004 onwards, Diddy Kong has been voiced by [[Katsumi Suzuki]], who solely provided him with a cartoonish monkey voice. In cases where Diddy Kong is intended to speak in full sentences, there is in-game text to show what he is actually saying. The only time in the games where Diddy Kong actually speaks is in ''Diddy Kong Racing'', when he says, "I'm Diddy!" whenever the player selects him to play as him. Most of the time, his speech is in parentheses, thus implying that characters other than Donkey Kong and the other Kongs still have difficulty understanding what he is saying. In the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Diddy Kong receives realistic monkey noises.

In almost every appearance he makes, Diddy Kong has been shown to be quick and nimble to offset Donkey Kong's great strength. As a result, Diddy, while more agile, has more trouble defeating larger enemies. In many games he has appeared, such as in ''Donkey Kong Country'' and ''Donkey Kong 64'', he is able to use his [[Cartwheel Attack|cartwheel]] to attack opponents but also to jump farther in ''Donkey Kong Country''. Diddy Kong is shown to have a strong skull; he has a special dashing ability in ''Donkey Kong 64'' called ''[[Chimpy Charge]]'' where he ram into switches, walls, and gongs with a head-first charge and in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'', after defeating [[Tiki Tong]], he brings the moon down with just his head.

In some games, Diddy Kong can also use his [[Barrel Jet]] to fly to hard-to-reach areas. However, in ''Donkey Kong 64'', it is only given to him after entering one of [[Cranky's Kong Barrel]]s, and it can only be used in certain areas. During the time Diddy Kong uses his Barrel Jet, he is also equipped with [[Peanut Popgun]]s, which allow him to defeat or stun distant enemies and activate switches. During ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'', Diddy Kong can use his Barrel Jet in order to carry Donkey Kong over pits. It's revealed in ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'', that Diddy Kong has a prehensile tail due to the fact he can hang onto hooks with it. Additionally, in ''Donkey Kong 64'' he is able to use his tail to attack enemies or use it as a spring to reach higher areas. In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', he is able to combine his Rocketbarrel Pack and Peanut Popgun for his [[Final Smash]].

[[File:Diddyjuggleani.gif|frame|left|Diddy Kong juggling]]

Diddy Kong is a friendly and adventurous character, willing to help out his friends during times of need, evidenced by the ''Donkey Kong Country'' series. Diddy Kong is somewhat of a peace seeker, which is an offset to Donkey Kong's more aggressive behavior against his enemies, since he asks a [[Kremling]] to "show himself if he was friendly" in ''Donkey Kong Country''. Diddy Kong's defining personality trait is his energy and gaiety, to the point of childishness (in a similar vein to [[Toad]], though he is less humble than the mushroom himself). Diddy Kong always shows excitement in various competitive sports (the ''Mario Golf'', ''Mario Tennis'', and ''Mario Baseball'' series) and [[Mario Kart (series)|kart races]], as evidenced by his idle and victory animations, which see him cartwheeling, backflipping, sideflipping, jumping up and down, or clapping his hands while yelling and screeching in happiness and enjoyment. Diddy's boisterous, slap-happy personality comes into play in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', where he is constantly smiling or showing toothy grins. Diddy Kong's victory animations show him holding his head with both his hands, or firing a peanut from the [[Popgun|Peanut Popgun]], further showing how excitable he is. In ''The Subspace Emmissary'', he is fearless to the point that he does not consider the danger; eager to fight Bowser while Donkey Kong and [[Fox|Fox McCloud]] knew this was too dangerous when he had a Dark Cannon at his disposal. Despite his energetic, excitable nature, Diddy Kong becomes sad when he loses to a boss in the ''Donkey Kong Country'' games or his opponents in various ''Super Mario'' spin-offs and ''Super Smash Bros.'' games, thus showing that he does not like to face defeat. In the television show, Diddy has a more snarky than go-lucky attitude.

Donkey Kong is Diddy Kong's best friend and idol. Although they are designed after different species, Diddy Kong has been called a relative of Donkey Kong's in a handful of material mostly in the late 90's. One of the earliest instances appears to be the December 1997 issue of the ''Official UK Nintendo Magazine'', referring to him as Donkey Kong's son.<ref>{{cite|date=December 1997|title=''Official UK Nintendo Magazine'' Issue 63|page=31|quote='''KING KONG!''' Even though Donkey Kong began life at the dawn of videogames, his son, Diddy, has only been around since tea time. He first appeared in Donkey Kong Country, one of the best games to grace the Super NES. His dad, on the other hand, has been swinging about for donkey’s years. He began life in 1981 in the arcade hit, Donkey Kong. Since then he’s been in many a battle with our favourite plumber, notably in Mario Kart and on those little Game & Watch handhelds back in the ‘80s. He even appeared as a breakfast cereal and became a Saturday morning cartoon favourite when the CBS-TV Network in the US brought him to life.|publisher=EMAP|language=en-gb}}</ref> He has also been called Donkey Kong's nephew in 1999, specifically in the English version of ''Super Smash Bros.'',<ref>{{cite|quote=In the past few years, other members of the Kong family have cashed in on DK’s fame as well, including his favorite nephew, Diddy.|author={{iw|smashwiki|List of character profiles#Donkey Kong|Characters}} profile of Donkey Kong|title=''Super Smash Bros.''}}</ref> once on Rare's website,<ref>{{cite|author=Rare|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20010606030858/http://rareware.com/recent/games/dk64/castlist|title=''Donkey Kong 64'' Cast List|language=en-gb|publisher=Rarewhere|accessdate=June 24, 2024|quote=Long-established second half of the big Kong double act, DK's nephew Diddy makes ever-bigger leaps and bounds towards fully-fledged videogame hero status with his part in each successful overthrow of K. Rool's hordes.}}</ref> and the ''Donkey Kong 64'' [[Nintendo Power|Player's Guide]],<ref>{{cite|author=Bihldorff, Nate, Jason Leung, and Drew Williams|title=''Donkey Kong 64'' [[Nintendo Power|Player's Guide]]|page=1|date=1999|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|quote=Cold-blooded reptile K. Rool has once again invaded the DK Isles, but if he thinks he can seize them, he’s a monkey’s uncle. And K. Rool’s definitely not one of those. But Donkey Kong is, and with him and the help of his nephew Diddy, a barrelful of new simian superstars and Nintendo Power’s know-how, you’ll make monkeys out of all the Kremlings. So stop dragging your knuckles and turn the page—it’s time to get down to monkey business.}}</ref> as well as by Diddy's creator [[Kevin Bayliss]];<ref>{{cite|author=Kev_Bayliss|date=November 21, 2021|language=en|url=x.com/Kev_Bayliss/status/1462518984734121988|title=DK & Nephew Diddy fending off Riptor! #DiddyKongRacing #KillerInstinct #DonkeyKongCountry|publisher=X|accessdate=January 27, 2024}}</ref> however, non-international releases of ''Super Smash Bros.'' do not refer to Diddy as DK's nephew,<ref>{{cite|language=ja|quote=「パックにはディディーを始め、ユニークなコングファミリーが控えている。」(''Starting with Diddy of the pack, a unique Kong Kamily awaits.'')|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=X08MC9rLiDA&t=2m45s|date=August 15, 2013|author=Japancommercials4u|timestamp=02:45|title=''Super Smash Bros.'' (Japanese) Playthrough Part 1|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> [[Leigh Loveday]] himself uses uncertain language,<ref>{{cite|author=Rare|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20020423180638/http://www.rareware.com/the_site/talk_to_us/scribes/sep16_99/sep16_99.html|title=Scribes - September 16, 1999|publisher=Rarewhere|accessdate=June 24, 2024|quote=P.S. Diddy's DK's nephew, I think, and Dixie's Diddy's, er, 'friend'. They're all linked in some bizarre way or another. Anyway, they're probably plotting to get Cranky institutionalised as we speak.|language=en-gb}}</ref> and the ''Donkey Kong 64'' instruction booklet only considers him "Donkey's little nephew wannabe."<ref>{{cite|language=en-us|date=1999|publisher=Nintendo of America|title=''Donkey Kong 64'' instruction booklet|page=7}}</ref> The [[Prima Games]] guide for the 2003 [[Game Boy Advance]] version of ''Donkey Kong Country'' vaguely refers to them as cousins,<ref>{{cite|author=Hodgson, David S. J.|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|date=June 17, 2003|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' Prima's Official Strategy Guide|language=en-us|page=12|isbn=0-7615-4334-1|quote=Donkey's massive frame allows him to tear through opponents with greater ease than his shrimpy cousin Diddy; use Donkey to take on bigger foes.}}</ref> and so do the Italian instruction booklets of both the [[Game Boy Color]] and Game Boy Advance remakes of ''Donkey Kong Country''.<ref>{{cite|date=2000|language=it|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|quote=La massima aspirazione di Diddy è quella di diventare una stella dei videogiochi, proprio come suo cugino. (''Diddy's aspiration is to become a star of videogames, just like his cousin.'')|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' for Game Boy Color instruction booklet|page=112}}</ref><ref>{{cite|date=2003|language=it|publisher=Nintendo of Europe|title=''Donkey Kong Country'' for Game Boy Advance instruction booklet|quote=La massima aspirazione di Diddy è quella di diventare una stella dei videogiochi, proprio come suo cugino. (''Diddy's aspiration is to become a star of videogames, just like his cousin.'')|page=106}}</ref> The Italian ''[[Club Nintendo (Italian magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' magazine defines him as the youngest member of the Kong family.<ref>{{cite|url=archive.org/details/ClubNintendo-1994-6/page/n3/mode/2up|title=''Club Nintendo'' - 6th issue of 1994|page=4|accessdate=April 10, 2024|quote=Infine c'è Diddy Kong, il membro più a giovane della famiglia. (''Lastly there's Diddy Kong, the youngest member of the family.'')}}</ref> In ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'' [[Super Mario-kun Volume 12|Volume 12]], Diddy's introductory description states that he is "Donkey's admirer and otōtobun",<ref>{{cite|title=''Super Mario-kun'' Volume 12|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=ja|isbn=4-09-142242-X|page=178|date=March 28, 1995|quote=<big>ディディーコング</big>ドンキーコングにあこがれている、ドンキーの弟分。(''<big>Diddy Kong</big> Donkey Kong's "younger brother" and admirer.'')}}</ref> a term that refers to a friend that is treated/seen as a younger brother. Most subsequent sources drop the notion of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong being related, but the ''Donkey Kong Country Returns'' [[List of Donkey Kong Country Returns image extras names in other languages#Kong Gallery|Kong Gallery]] refers to one image of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as a "Family Portrait" in every language except Japanese. According to [[Gregg Mayles]], the Kong characters of ''Donkey Kong Country'' were set to be related to each other, but the notion was left ambiguous after deeming design quirks such as Diddy's tail nonsensical.<ref>{{cite|author=GameXplain|date=November 16, 2019|timestamp=27:06|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX3g9Z3JF9k&t=1626s|title=Talking with Rare's Creative Director for DKC's 25th Anniversary! (Cut Content, Wario Plot, & More)|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=March 31, 2023}}</ref>

Cranky Kong considers himself to be a "grandpappy" of sorts to Diddy Kong (as well as Dixie Kong), and while he complains about Diddy Kong receiving a starring role in ''Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest'' while he was stuck in a gloomy shed, he also calls him a true [[Cranky's Video Game Heroes|video game hero]] and comments that he must take after himself and Donkey Kong. Incidentally, in the episode "[[Ape Foo Young]]" of the ''Donkey Kong Country'' television series, Diddy Kong tries to pass off [[Baby Kong]] as Donkey Kong's nephew, while Cranky Kong states that he does not have one.

Dixie Kong began a relationship with Diddy Kong after the events of ''Donkey Kong Country'',<ref>{{cite|date=November 1996|title=''Nintendo Magazine System'' (UK) #50|publisher=EMAP|language=en-gb|page=53|quote='''THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!''' Since returning from his first adventure, Diddy has been fending off unwanted women. However, one stuck around and soon became the love of his life. Her name is Dixie, a daredevil babe who’s not afraid to help out her colleague in these times of trouble.}}</ref> and has accompanied her boyfriend on a few adventures and sports outings, including ''Diddy Kong Racing DS'', in which Donkey Kong does not appear. Their romantic relationship is not often touched upon in the games themselves, but is utilized in the ''Donkey Kong Country'' television series. Diddy is shown to be good friends with her sister Tiny Kong in rare interactions, as Diddy freed Tiny in ''Donkey Kong 64'' and Tiny joins his group in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''.

==Profiles and statistics==

*"''Ahhh... delicious delicious bananas...''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' (SNES instruction booklet)

*"''“W-w-who goes there?!” Diddy challenged the sounds in the darkened, dripping foliage.''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' (SNES instruction booklet, with narration)

*"''“W-w-who goes there?!?” Diddy called.''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country]]'' (GBA instruction booklet, with narration)

*"''“Kremlings!” Diddy gasped in horror.''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' (Instruction booklets, with narration)

*"''After all we did to get them back last time? [[Donkey Kong]] would go crazy if he lost his bananas again!''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' (SNES instruction booklet)

*"''“We’ve got to rescue him, of course!” said Diddy and Dixie together.''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' (SNES instruction booklet, with narration)

*"''“What about me?!” asked Diddy, stamping his foot. “I went with Donkey on his last adventure! Why can't I do it?!”''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' (SNES instruction booklet, with narration)

*"''DK would never forgive us! We've got to rescue him!"'' &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest|Donkey Kong Country 2]]'' (GBA instruction booklet)

*"''What about me?!" demanded Diddy. "I went with Donkey on his last adventure! I’ll do it!"'' &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest|Donkey Kong Country 2]]'' (GBA instruction booklet)

*"''“But it’s dangerous!” he protested.''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' (Instruction booklets, with narration)

*"''Of course I’m not!"'' &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' (Instruction booklets)

*"''“I'll bring him back, you’ll see!” he declared.''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest]]'' (SNES instruction booklet, with narration)

*"''We'll bring him back, you'll see!''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest|Donkey Kong Country 2]]'' (GBA instruction booklet)

*"''Hey, DK! Hellllp!''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''

*"''YIPEE! Way to go, DK!''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''

*"''Now that I'm free, I can help you by collecting red bananas.''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''

*"''I'll just go and wait in the Tag Barrel until you need me.''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''

*"''Mmm... I wonder if I'll need Cranky's help in here?''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''

*"''Uh-oh!''" &ndash; ''[[Donkey Kong 64]]''

 

|release66=2023 (''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass|Booster Course Pass]]'', Wave 6)

}}

==Voice samples==

{{media table

|file1=Diddy Kong Panicking.oga

|title1=''[[Donkey Kong 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''

|description1=Diddy Kong panicking in shock (Chris Sutherland)

|file2=Diddy Kong Mario Power Tennis.oga

|title2=''[[Mario Power Tennis]]''

|description2=Diddy Kong with his [[Barrel Jet]] (Katsumi Suzuki)

|file3=Diddy Kong SSBB voice.oga

|title3=''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' series

|description3=Diddy Kong's [[smashwiki:Star KO|star KO]] scream

}}