

Release
Thursday, July 9, 1981
Player score
72/100
Platform families
Not announced
Connected releases
24
Editorial overview
What it is
Donkey Kong is not only Nintendo's first real smash hit for the company, but marks the introduction for two of their most popular mascots: Mario (originally "Jumpman") and Donkey Kong. The game is a platform-action game that has Mario scale four different industrial themed levels (construction zone, cement factory, an elevator-themed level, and removing rivets from girders) in an attempt to save the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the big ape before the timer runs out. Donkey Kong is also notable for being one of the first complete narratives in video game form, told through simplistic cut scenes that advance the story.
The premise
Donkey Kong has kidnapped the beautiful Lady and taken her to a dangerous construction site. Mario must climb to the top of the construction site and rescue Lady from the giant ape.
More like this
Game data from IGDB
Play styles
Single player
Perspective
Side view
Themes
Action
Languages
1 supported
Cinematic archive
Official footage, in-game captures, and production artwork—collected into one immersive gallery.
Gameplay video
Gameplay Video
Beyond this game
One complete franchise view connects the main releases, spin-offs, settings, and related game families.
Content map
DLC, expansions, editions, and bundles are different products. Each stays in its own lane so you always know what you are looking at.
Production dossier
Cast, creators, hardware, release history, and the details that define how this game plays.

Arcade
Reimagined
New productions that rebuild the original experience for another era.
Platform versions
Adaptations made for another platform, device, or hardware generation.
PortDonkey KongJun 3, 1982Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongJul 1, 1982Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongAug 1, 1982Platform adaptation
PortCrazy KongDec 31, 1981Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongDate TBAPlatform adaptation
PortDonkey KongDate TBAPlatform adaptation
PortDonkey KongMar 3, 1982Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongJun 23, 1983Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongJul 15, 1983Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongDec 1, 1983Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongJul 26, 1986Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongNov 15, 1986Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongDec 31, 1986Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongJan 1, 1983Platform adaptation
PortArcade Archives: Donkey KongJun 14, 2018Platform adaptation
PortDonkey Kong: Original EditionOct 29, 2010Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongJul 10, 1986Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongDec 15, 1983Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongOct 18, 1982Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongAug 1, 1982Platform adaptation
PortDonkey KongDec 15, 1983Platform adaptation