List of Cranky Kong profiles and statistics

This is a list of profiles and statistics for Cranky Kong.

Donkey Kong Country series

Donkey Kong Country

• Instruction booklet description:
  • English:
    Donkey Kong's grouchy pappy is actually the original Donkey Kong who starred in the many Donkey Kong arcade classics of the eighties. He considers those games the pinnacle of game design, and will have nothing to do with the newfangled graphics, sound and multiple-button controllers of today's Nintendo mega-hits. Donkey Kong will encounter Cranky throughout his adventure at his many cabins scattered across Donkey Kong Country. Cranky will usually be grateful for the chance to converse, specifically to get on Donkey's case about the state of games today. Although most of Cranky's conversations are hot air, he will occasionally drop a hint or two about the game, as he is anxious to pass on his game prowess to the younger generation of game fans. His problem is, he only has a three frame walk, so he can't participate in the action! Cranky can chew your ear off if you give him a chance, so once you get tired of him, just take off."

• Player's Guide: "The star of the original Donkey Kong games, Cranky Kong, gives out tidbits of advice to DK and Diddy as they progress through the stages. He’s wise, but he’s really bitter about all the new fangled technology that’s being used in video games these days. Generally, though, you should take notice of what he tells you."
• Instruction booklet bio (remakes): "Although most of Cranky’s conversations are hot air, he’ll occasionally drop a hint or two about the game."
• Player's Guide (Game Boy Advance version): "Cranky Kong is the eldest of the Kong family and without question the grouchiest. Cranky’s Cabin will appear in each region after you’ve unlocked a few levels. Visit Cranky for clues about the game, hints on where to find hidden camera and, of course, some of Cranky’s usualy grumpy rants.
• Prima Games guide (Game Boy Advance version): "Cranky's been around since the Game & Watch days, and he knows a thing or two about platform gaming. He unfortunately points this out to you in various ways throughout your visits to his hut. There are six huts to find. Aside from the verbal abuse, you get gameplay tips from the elderly gorilla, and when you've finished the game, he also gives you hints about the remaining Camera Pieces you must collect in the world you're in. Always listen to your elders—this crotchety loon has lots of great advice!"

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!

• Instruction booklet description:
  • English:
    Your opponent in the throwing game, Cranky has the chance to prove he’s No. 1."

• Player's Guide: Cranky, the star of the original arcade Donkey Kong game, is spending all his time and money at Swanky's Tent. He'll do anything to show up cheeky apes who dare to monkey around in the tent.

Rarewhere: DKC Trilogy Cast List

"APPEARS IN: DKC 1, 2, 3

It's been long, long years since his heyday as a video game legend, but Cranky's not about to let anyone forget those times for a second. If there's one issue that clouds his judgement more than any other, it's the state of games today compared to what he considers the all-time classics of his own UDG-ridden single-screen era. He's forever ranting on at DK, Diddy and Dixie about how they'd better buck up their ideas if they want to achieve even a fraction of his own fame, but by now the entire family (including his long-suffering wife Wrinkly) have become more or less immune to it..."

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

• Digital manual bio: "Donkey Kong's hardheaded, curmudgeonly elder. He can use his cane to achieve great heights as well as easily cross spikes or thorny patches."
• UK website bio: "After a spell on the shelf, Cranky leaps into action! He might look a little long in the tooth, but with his unique abilities and years of wisdom too, this Kong's still got what it takes!"
• Prima Games guide: "Introducing Cranky Kong as a playable character was a great decision, which will become apparent when you use this crotchety old coot. In the past, Cranky has seemed withered and frail, as he shouted negative criticism from the safety of his rocking chair. Surprisingly, there is some fight in this old boy still. Instead of using his words, Cranky lets his fists—or cane, rather—do the talking. Cranky uses his cane as a pogo stick, allowing him and DK to reach platforms up high as well as to obtain items along a spiked floor. Cranky uses his cane to whack enemies upside the head and can shoot his dentures with his—you guessed it—Denture Popgun to stun opponents. And you thought you couldn’t teach an old monkey new tricks."

Donkey Kong Jungle Action Special

"Donkey Kong’s grouchy grandpappy is actually the original Donkey Kong. Cranky is best remembered for the time he grabbed a girl called Pauline and carried her to the top of a tall building. It was here he had his first famous meeting with Mario. Unfortunately what Cranky has to say about the heroic Italian plumber is unprintable! However, their exploits were turned into a best-selling video game which took the whole world by storm. Since then he has ’retired’ (some say ’banished’) to Donkey Kong Island where despairs at his grandson’s attempts to be a hero. Cranky never tires of telling DK about the good old days and all the adventures he had when he had when he was young. Donkey Kong thinks that deep down Cranky is really proud of him and wants to see him do well in the hero business. Big mistake!"

Donkey Kong 64

• Instruction booklet bio from Professor Cranky Kong: "Yep, you read it right, sonny! It’s Professor Cranky now, and you’d better show your elders some respect, as I’m your only hope in defeating those rancid reptiles. My powerful potions will give you abilities you’ve never dreamed of and certainly don’t deserve, assuming of course you can afford my modest asking fee. Now don’t you go asking me for a potion of gameplay, as even my genius can’t rescue this game from its rightful destiny in the bargain bin."
• Player's Guide: "If you looked up the word “curmudgeon” in the dictionary, it would show a picture of Cranky Kong. The old geezer is just as rude and abusive as ever. He’s willing to help his five Kong relations with special potions that give them the moves they’ll need to complete the game, but he will do so only if he can make a profit, which he does. Cranky’s Lab pops up in every world just when you think you won’t have to see him ever again. If you collect 15 Banana Medals and give them to Cranky, he’ll give you a chance to win a Rareware Coin."
• Prima Games guide: "Cranky is Donkey Kong's dad, and he's not too happy about it. Although he complains almost constantly, Cranky also helps the Kongs by providing potions—for a price, of course. Each potion gives the Kong who drinks it an ability that ape needs. Visit Cranky when you find his Lab. It shows up on every level, so suffer through his gruff abuse and see if he has a new potion to offer."
• German website: "A sharp tongue, lots of hair and loose teeth characterize the video game veteran Cranky Kong. Even if he seldom has anything good to say about his "good for nothing" son, as he calls him, he still supports Donkey and his friends in their exciting adventures with various potions from his laboratory. These wonders from the research lab help the Kongs to turn into true super apes! Whether it's a rocket back-pack, invulnerability, increased speed or becoming the size of a dwarf or a giant - Cranky is just the right one for the purposes of the ape clan. Since one has to pay a price for these helpful abilities, however, it is necessary to have sufficient banana coins on hand when calling on the brightest scientist of the primate world."

DK: King of Swing

• Instruction booklet description:
  • English:
    Head of the Jungle Jam Executive Committee. He teaches Donkey useful information like how to grab hold of pegs.

Donkey Kong Barrel Blast

Cranky Kong
	Rival	King K. Rool	Boost	4/5
	Speed	4/5	Agility	4/5
	How to unlock: Win Candy's Challenge 24: Challenge Cranky!

Super Smash Bros. series

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Trophy Cranky Kong
	Appears in: SNES Donkey Kong Country Wii Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast
	How to unlock: Random
	A village chief and bitter old codger. Cranky uses his extensive knowledge and wisdom to provide helpful hints. He has also made appearances in a white lab coat as a potion-dealing chemist, granting the Kongs special abilities. Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast features Cranky as a playable character for the first time. (American English)
	A village chief and bitter old codger. Cranky uses his extensive knowledge and wisdom to provide helpful hints. He has also made appearances in a white lab coat as a potion-dealing chemist, granting the Kongs special abilities. Donkey Kong: Jet Race features Cranky as a playable character for the first time. (British English)

Sticker Cranky Kong
	Artwork from: Donkey Konga 3 JP
	Effects in The Subspace Emissary: [Specials: Indirect] - Attack +7
	Usable by: Anyone

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U

Trophy Cranky Kong

3DS: Wii U:

Category: Series Related

() Appears in: SNES Donkey Kong Country (11/1994) Wii U Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (02/2014)

() Trophy Box: 17: Donkey Kong and His Friends

How to unlock: Random

This old man could teach you a thing or two! Cranky Kong has always been willing to share some words of wisdom, but in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, he decides to help directly and brings his cane-swinging style to the field. What a crazy old... Ahem. What a gentleman! (American English)

In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Cranky Kong's decided he's done with just giving the young 'uns helpful hints, so now he's taking things into his own hands by bringing some much-needed cane-swinging to the fray. You just can't keep an old ape down, can you? (British English)

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Spirit #140 Cranky Kong
	Series/game	Donkey Kong Series
	Type	Primary
	Slots	3
	Class	Ace
	Strength / effect(s)	Attack Speed ↓
	How to obtain	World of Light (DK Island); Summoned with a Cyrus & Reese and Wrinkly Kong core
Spirit battle	Opponent(s)	Donkey Kong
	Conditions	Hazard: Slumber Floor The floor is sleep-inducing
	Stage	Jungle Japes
	Song	Opening - Donkey Kong

Play Nintendo

• He’ll throw enemies out of the jungle—as soon as he puts in his dentures.
  Stooped in stature, but sizable in spirit, the curmudgeonly Cranky Kong springs out of his rocking chair—and into the action—with his spike-proof, bouncing cane.