Rumor: Donkey Kong Franchise to Be Featured in Upcoming Nintendo Direct

Heads-up Nintendo fans - with so many rumors and speculation flying through the twitter feed, it's easy to get your wires crossed. Thankfully, that's what we're here for, right?

In advance of tomorrow's Nintendo Direct Event, we'll be summarizing a few of the most-likely rumors to come to fruition thanks to well-known (and accurate) Nintendo leaker, Pyoro.

First up, we expect the Donkey Kong franchise to get some love. Read on to see more.

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Donkey Kong Franchise Rumored to be Featured in September Nintendo Direct

This prevailing rumor began last week when Pyoro, a well-known Nintendo leaker, tweeted the following gif.

This leads us to believe two possible outcomes: (1) either we're getting a new Donkey Kong movie spinoff, or (2) there's a potential for a new Donkey Kong game. An even better outcome is both coming true! We can dream, right?

Tropical Freeze: Donkey Kong's Last Game

One thing we can agree on is that it's time for a new Donkey Kong game. Unfortunately, the franchise has been neglected by Nintendo for some time, and frankly, it's due for something new.

The last Donkey Kong game, Tropical Freeze, was a sides-scroller that originally released for the Wii U in 2014 and received a remake on the Nintendo Switch in 2018. Since then? Crickets.

Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze | Image: Nintendo Supply

And what's worse, we haven't received a 3D Donkey Kong game since Donkey Kong 64 that released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999.

Donkey Kong Movie Rumors

Given the massive success of the Mario Bros. movie earlier this year and positive acclaim for Donkey Kong's character, it's no surprise fans are speculating about the potential for a solo DK spinoff. This would make sense for Nintendo to pursue expansion of their movie IP, and Donkey Kong would be an excellent candidate.

Super Mario Bros. Movie - Donkey Kong | Image: Universal Pictures

Conclusion: We'll Find out During Tomorrow's Nintendo Direct

While we have limited information to go off of past Pyoro's cryptic tweet, both outcomes would be a positive in our opinion for the character. The Donkey Kong franchise has been in a dry spell for the better part of this decade; and a fresh take on a 3D platformer, coupled with improved graphics since the original 1999 DK64 release, could be just what our favorite barrel-throwing ape needs.

Either way, we'll find out more soon!

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