Donkey Kong

Review Cycle

May 2026

Read Time

3 min read

Technical Depth

65% Detailed

Donkey Kong
Source: Mzstatic

Executive Summary

Donkey Kong is a video game series and media franchise created by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo. It follows the adventures of Donkey Kong, a large, powerful gorilla, and other members of the Kong family of simians. The franchise has been a major success, with more than 65 million copies sold by 2021. The original game was Nintendo's first major international success, rescuing Nintendo of America from a financial crisis and establishing it as a prominent force in the video game industry.

The franchise has pioneered or popularized concepts such as in-game storytelling and pre-rendered graphics, inspired other games (including clones), and influenced popular culture. Donkey Kong games include the original arcade game trilogy by Nintendo R&D1; the Donkey Kong Country series by Rare and Retro Studios; and the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series by Nintendo Software Technology.

The franchise has also expanded beyond video games, including animated series, themed areas in Universal's theme parks, soundtrack albums, and Lego construction toys. Donkey Kong is one of Nintendo's bestselling franchises, with a dedicated fan base and a lasting impact on the gaming industry.

Architecture & Design

The original Donkey Kong game was designed to repurpose unsold arcade cabinets following the failure of Radar Scope. The game was a major success, and its sequels, Donkey Kong Jr. and Donkey Kong 3, were also well-received. The Donkey Kong Country series, developed by Rare and Retro Studios, introduced pre-rendered 3D graphics and a new cast of characters, including the friendly Kongs and the antagonistic Kremlings.

The Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, developed by Nintendo Software Technology, focused on puzzle gameplay and introduced new characters, including the protagonist, Mario. The franchise has also expanded to include spin-offs in genres such as edutainment, puzzle, racing, and rhythm.

The Donkey Kong franchise has been developed by various studios, including Nintendo, Rare, Retro Studios, Namco, and Paon. The games have been released on various platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and Wii.

Performance & Thermal

The original Donkey Kong game was released in 1981 and was a major success, but its performance and thermal specifications are not publicly disclosed. The Donkey Kong Country series, developed by Rare and Retro Studios, introduced pre-rendered 3D graphics and a new cast of characters, but its performance and thermal specifications are also not publicly disclosed.

The Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, developed by Nintendo Software Technology, focused on puzzle gameplay and introduced new characters, including the protagonist, Mario, but its performance and thermal specifications are not publicly disclosed.

Market Positioning

The Donkey Kong franchise has been a major success, with more than 65 million copies sold by 2021. The franchise has been priced competitively, with most games released at a price point of around $50-$60. The franchise has also been positioned as a family-friendly brand, with a focus on fun and accessible gameplay.

The Donkey Kong franchise has been compared to other popular franchises, including Mario and Sonic, but its market positioning is unique and focused on its own strengths and weaknesses.

Verdict

The Donkey Kong franchise is a beloved and iconic series that has been a major success in the gaming industry. Its unique blend of platforming gameplay and charming characters has captivated audiences for decades, and its influence can be seen in many other games and franchises.

The franchise has been developed by various studios, including Nintendo, Rare, Retro Studios, Namco, and Paon, and has been released on various platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and Wii.

The Donkey Kong franchise is a must-play for fans of platforming games and classic Nintendo franchises, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.

Specifications

VersionSRAN18.1
ModelWD2DUBBPG200 – UBBPg2
BBUBBU3910, BBU5900, BBU5900A
RATUMTS /LTE FDD /LTE NB-IoT /LTE TDD /NR FDD /UL co-BBP /UM co-BBP /LM co-BBP /LT co-BBP /TM co-BBP /ULM co-BBP /LTM co-BBP /LN (FDD) co-BBP /LMN (FDD) co-BBP
CPRI Port Quantity6
CPRI Protocol TypeCPRI
Number of Cells Specifications1 – 6×20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 1T1R
Number of Cells Specifications2 – 3×20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 8T8R
Number of Cells Specifications3 – 3×20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 32T32R
Number of Cells Specifications4 – 3×20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 64T64R
Number of Cells Specifications5 – 3×40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 32T32R + 3×10/15/20 MHz 2R/4R
Number of Cells Specifications6 – 3×40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 64T64R + 3×10/15/20 MHz 2R/4R
Number of Cells Specifications7 – 3×40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 32T32R/64T64R + 3×10/15/20 MHz 2R/4R
Number of Cells Specifications8 – 3xA 32T32R/64T64R
Number of UEs in RRC Connected Mode2400
Throughput (DLUL=4
Throughput (DLUL=8
Signaling Specifications (BHCA)432000
Number of Cells Specifications1 – 6×20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 1T1R
Number of Cells Specifications2 – 3×20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 8T8R
Number of Cells Specifications3 – 3×20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 32T32R
Number of Cells Specifications4 – 3×20/30/40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 64T64R
Number of Cells Specifications5 – 3×40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 32T32R + 3×10/15/20 MHz 2R/4R
Number of Cells Specifications6 – 3×40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 64T64R + 3×10/15/20 MHz 2R/4R
Number of Cells Specifications7 – 3×40/50/60/70/80/90/100 MHz 32T32R/64T64R + 3×10/15/20 MHz 2R/4R
Number of Cells Specifications8 – 3xA 32T32R/64T64R
Number of UEs in RRC Connected Mode2400
Number of Attached UEs2312000
Throughput (Mbit/s)DL
Signaling Specifications (BHCA)432000
Number of Cells Specifications1 – 45 carriers (200 kHz, 4T4R) over 15 cells
Number of Cells Specifications2 – 45 carriers (200 kHz, 4T4R) over 15 cells
Number of UEs in RRC Connected Mode4800
Number of Attached UEs2312000
Throughput (Mbit/s)DL
Signaling Specifications (BHCA)432000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Donkey Kong franchise?

The Donkey Kong franchise is a video game series and media franchise created by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo.

What are the main games in the Donkey Kong franchise?

The main games in the Donkey Kong franchise include the original arcade game trilogy by Nintendo R&D1, the Donkey Kong Country series by Rare and Retro Studios, and the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series by Nintendo Software Technology.

What is the Donkey Kong Country series?

The Donkey Kong Country series is a series of platform games developed by Rare and Retro Studios, known for its pre-rendered 3D graphics and new cast of characters, including the friendly Kongs and the antagonistic Kremlings.

What is the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series?

The Mario vs. Donkey Kong series is a series of puzzle games developed by Nintendo Software Technology, focusing on puzzle gameplay and introducing new characters, including the protagonist, Mario.

What is the Donkey Kong franchise's market positioning?

The Donkey Kong franchise is positioned as a family-friendly brand, with a focus on fun and accessible gameplay, and is priced competitively, with most games released at a price point of around $50-$60.