Wrinkly Kong
- “Why, if it isn't Donkey -- or is it Funky? No -- Diddy!”
- —Wrinkly Kong, Donkey Kong Land III
Wrinkly Kong is a character in the Donkey Kong franchise who was the wife of Cranky Kong and an intelligent ally of the Kongs. Although she is now deceased, her spirit form continues to participate in the Kongs' adventures.
She appears in most of Donkey Kong games, providing helpful information and hints. However, she has only been playable twice. She has also appeared in one comic.
History
Donkey Kong Country series
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
The first appearance of Wrinkly Kong was in the game Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. Wrinkly manages the Kong Kollege where Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong can save their game progress (in this way, she replaces Candy Kong's role from the first game). Wrinkly, like her husband Cranky Kong can also give the Kongs information on the various items and objects found throughout the game.
In the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 2, Dixie and Diddy can also do a homework assignment for Wrinkly, called Wrinkly's Task. The purpose of Wrinkly's Task is to fill up a scrapbook, given to the Kongs by Wrinkly with pictures. For every page of the scrapbook filled up Wrinkly will give the Kongs a DK Coin.
Wrinkly reappeared in the Game Boy game, Donkey Kong Land 2 where she could once again save the Kongs' progress. Unlike in Donkey Kong Country 2 however, she does not provide the Kongs with any advice.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
In Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, Wrinkly makes a return appearance. In this game, Wrinkly has retired as a teacher at the Kong Kollege, and now runs Wrinkly's Save Cave. In the cave Dixie and Kiddy Kong can save their game, the cave is also where the various Banana Birds the Kongs collect are stored. When the Kongs enter to the cave they can find her either dancing, sleeping or playing videogames.
In the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 3, Wrinkly's role is slightly lessened. Now Wrinkly serves no real purpose in the game except to take care of Banana Birds, which she seems to have become a spiritual follower of.
Donkey Kong Land III
In Donkey Kong Land III, Wrinkly's role remains relatively the same (she saves the Kongs' progress). The only real difference between roles is that Wrinkly no longer cares for Banana Birds, since they are not in the game.
Club Nintendo
"Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24"
Wrinkly is briefly seen in the Club Nintendo comic "Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24", in which some Kongs, including Cranky, save Earth from being pulled away by aliens. When the saviors return, Cranky enthusiastically tries to kiss a random girl. At the end of the comic, Wrinkly is seen quarrelling with her husband, and it is heavily implied that this is due to his attempt at kissing the girl.
Donkey Kong 64
In Donkey Kong 64, it is revealed that she had died after the events of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! and appears as a ghost. In the game, Wrinkly now inhabits Wrinkly Doors, which appear in the lobby for every world except Hideout Helm. If a Kong steps in front of a Wrinkly Door, a ghastly noise is made, and Wrinkly will appear.
Wrinkly's role is providing each Kong with a vague hint on where they can find a Golden Banana. The only exception is Tiny's corresponding Wrinkly Door at Frantic Factory, where Wrinkly provides a hint on to defeat Mad Jack.
Wrinkly is the only supporting Kong, let alone ally, with an optional role. She is also the only Kong to be absent from the end credits, and to offer a free service.
DK series
DK: King of Swing
In DK: King of Swing, Wrinkly aids her husband Cranky in teaching his grandson, Donkey Kong, in learning the unique controls of the game. She is the one that teaches Donkey how to climb the Pegs Boards, she also helps Cranky teach Donkey how to attack. Wrinkly is also an unlockable playable character in the game's Jungle Jam mode, where she is tied with Dixie Kong for the best jumping ability. However, her attack is low, though not as low as Dixie's. She is unlocked by collecting all the Crystal Coconuts from all levels. This marks the first time Wrinkly Kong was playable.
DK: Jungle Climber
She returned in DK: Jungle Climber. She went on vacation to Sun Sun Island, along with all of the other Kongs. Wrinkly appears in the opening cutscene, where she is seen enjoying the scenery, alongside Cranky Kong. She carries a white umbrella for protection against the sun's rays. Although she has official artwork, this is the only time she appears in the entire game. This is similar to Candy Kong in the predecessor, DK: King of Swing. This was Wrinkly's only appearance on the DS.
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
In Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, Wrinkly is an unlockable playable character, and is the only playable Kong that does not appear on the title screen. She is unlocked by completing Candy's Challenge #26: Let Wrinkly Kong Win!, which is level 4 in difficulty. As the name implies, Wrinkly must come in first in order to complete the challenge. In this game, Wrinkly is a rival to Kopter, and she has average boost and speed, and maxed out agility. As all playable characters, she had the ability to do Wild Moves. This was her first appearance on the Wii console.
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, not only does she get a trophy but she appeared as a Sticker. Her sticker is based on her artwork from DK: King of Swing, that raises resistance against battering attacks by four and can only be used by Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Wrinkly once again has her own trophy. Her trophy is featured in the "Donkey Kong and his friends" trophy box, along Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong, Candy Kong and Funky Kong.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Wrinkly Kong appears as a spirit.
General information
- “My body may have passed away since DKC3, but I'm here in spirit to help you defeat those naughty crocodiles.”
- —Wrinkly Kong, Donkey Kong 64
Physical appearance
Wrinkly Kong's appearance has changed many times over the years, but has been consistent since DK: King of Swing.
Alive
Wrinkly Kong is an old ape with a similar build to her husband Cranky Kong. She is covered in brown fur, has grey hair on her head and she also wears glasses. In her debut in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, she wore a green blanket. In Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, she wears a white and purple gymnastics outfit that has dark gray fur armbands, and also wears white and purple sneakers and a white and purple headband. In the GBA remake of Donkey Kong Country 3, she only wears a white coat and does not wear any shoes.
After her death
In her debut as a ghost in Donkey Kong 64, her appearance was similar to her appearance in Donkey Kong Country 2, except she is now white and translucent, has a wispy tail where her legs used to be, and wears a nightgown. In her current appearance introduced in DK: King of Swing, she is no longer translucent and has gray fur, though her skin is rather white. Her glasses are much smaller and are oval shaped, compared to her previous semicircular ones, and her hair is covered by a white bonnet hat.
Official profiles and statistics
German Donkey Kong 64 website
"After the last great adventure of the Kongs, Wrinkly, who was advanced in years, left us, much to the sadness of all involved. Nevertheless, she returns from the realm of the spirits to provide her friends and relatives with all kinds of important information and useful tips. In the lobby of each level there are five doors, each with a frame of a different color. If a Kong approaches one of these doors, Wrinkly appears and gives him a hint to uncover especially well-kept secrets. Wrinkly loves her friends and relatives so much that she even crosses the threshold of mortality in order to support them in the battle against the evil empire of the Kremlings."
DK: King of Swing
- Instruction booklet bio: "Wife of Cranky. Even though she's passed away, she's a gentle Kong who frets about Donkey."
- Jump: 5
- Attack: 2
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
- Unlock method: Win Candy's Challenge 26: Let Wrinkly Kong win!.
- Rival: Kopter
- Boost: 3/5
- Speed: 3/5
- Agility: 5/5
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Trophy information
| # | Name | Image | Appearance(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 321 | Wrinkly Kong |  |
SNES Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Quest N64 Donkey Kong 64 |
The wife of Cranky Kong. Wrinkly first appeared as director of Kong Kollege, where she provided game hints. Did you know King K. Rool was also a student of hers? After her passing, she appeared in Donkey Kong 64 as a ghost, where again... she provided hints. |
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophy information
| Name | Image | Appears In | NTSC-U Description | PAL Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrinkly Kong | 
|
SNES Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (11/1995) N64 Donkey Kong 64 (11/1999) |
Wrinkly Kong first appears in Donkey Kong Country 2, where she manages the Kong Kollege. Even Kaptain K. Rool was one of her students at one time! Sadly, Wrinkly has become a spirit by the time she's seen in Donkey Kong 64. She doesn't let her ghostly form keep her from sharing advice, though. | Wrinkly has been in the series since Donkey Kong Country 2, where she was the director of Kong Kollege. Even Kaptain K. Rool was one of her students once upon a time! She passed away at some point before Donkey Kong 64, but still shows up now and then as a ghost. Why should she let a little thing like death stop her? |
Game appearances
| Title | Description | Release Date | System/Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest | Non-Playable Character | North America: November 20, 1995 |
SNES |
| Donkey Kong Land 2 | Non-Playable Character | North America: September 1, 1996 |
Game Boy |
| Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! | Non-Playable Character | North America: November 22, 1996 |
SNES |
| Donkey Kong Land III | Non-Playable Character | North America: October 1, 1997 |
Game Boy |
| Donkey Kong 64 | Non-Playable Character | North America: November 22, 1999 |
Nintendo 64 |
| Donkey Kong Country 2 (remake) | Non-Playable Character | North America: November 15, 2004 |
Game Boy Advance |
| DK: King of Swing | Unlockable Playable Character in Jungle Jam mode | North America: September 19, 2005 |
Game Boy Advance |
| Donkey Kong Country 3 (remake) | Non-Playable Character | North America: November 7, 2005 |
Game Boy Advance |
| DK: Jungle Climber | Non-Playable Character | North America: September 10, 2007 |
Nintendo DS |
| Donkey Kong Barrel Blast | Unlockable Playable Character | North America: October 8, 2007 |
Wii |
| Super Smash Bros. Brawl | Cameo as trophy and sticker | North America: March 9, 2008 |
Wii |
| Super Smash Bros. for Wii U | Cameo as trophy | North America: November 21, 2014 |
Wii U |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Cameo as spirit | Worldwide: December 7, 2018 |
Nintendo Switch |
Gallery
- For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Wrinkly Kong.
- WrinklyJet.jpg
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | リンクリーコング[?] Rinkurī Kongu |
Wrinkly Kong | |
| Russian | Ринкли Конг[?] Rinkli Kong |
Wrinkly Kong |
Trivia
- When talking to Wrinkly in Donkey Kong 64, the theme that plays is a slower and major key version of Cranky's Lab.
| Kongs | |
|---|---|
| Kong characters | |
| Baby Kong • Bink • Bluster Kong (Leo Luster) • Candy Clone • Candy Kong • Chunky Kong • Cranky Kong (Young) • Cranky Kong's great grandfather • Diddy Kong • Dixie Kong • Donkey Kong (Baby, Robot) • Donkey Kong Jr. • Dread Kong • Driver • Eddie • Funky Kong • Ghastly King • Karate Kong • Kiddy Kong • Kong Fu • Lanky Kong • Mecha Donkey Kong • Mini Donkey Kong (Game & Watch) • Monkey Kong • Ninja Kong • Rabbid Cranky • Rabbid Kong (Mega) • Ringo • Snow Kong • Sumo Kong • Super Kong • Swanky Kong • Tiny Kong • Uncle Kong • Wrinkly Kong | |
| Kong species | |
| Chained Kong • Cyber Kong • Guerrilla • Helper Monkey • Kong • Manky Kong • Mini Diddy Kong • Mini Donkey Kong (toy) • Ninjape • Snow Ucky Kong • Uckykong | |
| Donkey Kong's robots | |
| Cannon Kong • Capture Kong • Catapult Kong • Circus Kong • Cool Kong • Crash Kong • Kongā | |
| Kong groups | |
| Donkey Kong's robots • Kong (boss group) • Kong Family | |
| Donkey Kong Barrel Blast | ||
|---|---|---|
| Playable characters |
Kongs | Donkey Kong (Ultra Barrel) • Diddy Kong • Dixie Kong • Lanky Kong • Tiny Kong • Funky Kong • Wrinkly Kong • Cranky Kong |
| Kremlings | Kritter • Kip • Kass • Klump • Kalypso • Kludge • Kopter • King K. Rool | |
| Non-playable character | Candy Kong | |
| Cups | Topaz Cup | DK Jungle • Salty Sea • Mt. Dynamite |
| Sapphire Cup | Scorching Canyon • DK Jungle Falls • Shimmering Sea • Mammoth Glacier | |
| Diamond Cup | Open Ocean • Mt. Dynamite Remix • Parched Palace • Cranky's Temple | |
| Platinum Cup | Dynamite Run • DK Jungle Sunset • Alpine Peak • Temple Heights • Cosmic Highway | |
| Other | Gallery | |
| DK: Jungle Climber | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characters | Playable | Donkey Kong • Diddy Kong • Dixie Kong • Funky Kong |
| Non-playable | Candy Kong • Cranky Kong • Wrinkly Kong • Xananab | |
| Enemies and obstacles | Bramble • Click-Clack • Flipflap • Flitter • Ghost • Klobber • Kritter • Lockjaw • Mini-Necky • Neek • Puftup • Shuri • Spike • Zinger | |
| Bosses | Banana Ship • Junklomp • Mega Amp • Draglinger • King K. Rool | |
| Items | Banana • Banana Bunch • Banana Coin • Crystal Banana • Crystal Star • DK Coin • Gem • Hammer • KONG Panels • Oil barrel • Torch • Wings | |
| Objects | Booster Barrel • Cannon Barrel • DK Barrel • Exit • Giant flower • Handle Peg • Iron Barrel • Jack Peg • Mine • Peg • Peg Board • Question Barrel • Rock • Spike • Spirowarp • Spinner Barrel • Spinning Peg • Switch Peg • TNT Barrel | |
| Worlds | Sun Sun Island • Lost Island • Ghost Island • Chill 'n' Char Island • High-High Island • Wormhole • Extra Stages | |
| Minigames | Rolling Panic • Banana Grab • Speed Climb • Throw 'n' Crush • Orange Picker • Booster Battle • Banana Bonanza | |
- Kongs
- Playable Characters
- Parents
- Married
- Deceased Characters
- Undead
- Unlockable Characters
- DK: Jungle Climber Characters
- DK: King of Swing
- Donkey Kong 64 Characters
- Donkey Kong Allies
- Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Characters
- Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Characters
- Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Characters
- Donkey Kong Land 2 Characters
- Donkey Kong Land III Characters
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl Stickers
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl Trophies
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Trophies
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Spirits
- Grandparents
