Donkey Kong – the Legend From the Jungle
Before there was a console in every living room, there was him: Donkey Kong debuted in 1981 in Nintendo's arcade game of the same name – designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, who simply named the stubborn giant ape after "donkey" (stubborn as a mule) and "Kong" (ape). The game became the foundation of Nintendo's success in the video game business and, incidentally, was also the first stage for a certain jumping carpenter who later found worldwide fame as Mario. In 1994, DK made the definitive switch to hero status with "Donkey Kong Country." At Elbenwald you'll find officially licensed merchandise for it in a compact selection – for anyone who knows that respect in gaming started with a barrel.
What makes Donkey Kong stand out?
Seniority and versatility. Hardly any video game character has stayed active this long while playing so many different roles: original antagonist, platforming hero with barrel physics, kart racer, boxer, bongo drummer. "Donkey Kong Country" also set technical benchmarks in 1994 with pre-rendered 3D graphics on the SNES that had entire schoolyards in awe at the time. And then there's the gear everyone recognizes instantly: a red necktie with initials – business attire reduced consistently to the bare minimum –, a banana hoard, and a family tree that runs from Diddy to Cranky Kong. The latter, incidentally, is considered the original arcade ape in retirement: self-deprecating humor has been part of this brand's canon for decades – and it's exactly what keeps it so likably youthful.
Frequently asked questions
What Donkey Kong products does Elbenwald offer?
A compact, officially licensed selection built around the Nintendo classic – what's currently available is shown in the category. It's also worth checking out the Nintendo and Gaming ranges.
How long has Donkey Kong been around?
Since 1981: in Nintendo's arcade game "Donkey Kong," the ape threw barrels for the first time – and it was also the first appearance of the future Super Mario. In 1994, DK became a hero in his own right with "Donkey Kong Country."
How do I recognize officially licensed Donkey Kong merchandise?
By the Nintendo license notice on the product or packaging. Elbenwald carries exclusively officially licensed goods – the product page names details on the respective manufacturer.
Range overview
Donkey Kong fandom is treasure hunting in the best sense here: the category gathers select individual pieces, while the neighboring worlds supply the larger stash. Clothing has tropics-ready pieces with banana designs, figures hold the shelf cast of the Nintendo universe – and anyone looking for a gift for gaming nostalgics will find it in the gift ideas. Rule of thumb: whatever DK himself doesn't offer, the family does.
What else goes well with it?
The family story begins at Super Mario – the two are linked by an arcade cabinet, after all – and continues at Nintendo, where Zelda and Kirby round out the rest of the cast. Speed-focused competition from Sega comes courtesy of Sonic the Hedgehog, and the Gaming theme world keeps the big overview.
