Wrinkly Kong
- This article is about the recurring character in theDonkey Kong franchise. For the character playlist on theNintendo Music app, seeList of playlists with Super Mario tracks on Nintendo Music § Wrinkly Kong.
| Wrinkly Kong | |
|---|---|
 Artwork of Wrinkly Kong as a ghost fromDK: Jungle Climber | |
| Full name | Mrs. Wrinkly Kong[1][2] |
| Species | Kong (gorilla-based) Ghost (as ofDonkey Kong 64) |
| First appearance | Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (1995) |
| Latest appearance | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (spirit cameo) (2018) |
| Latest portrayal | Miho Yamada (2007) |
| Member of | Kong Family |
- “Why, if it isn'tDonkey -- or is itFunky? No --Diddy!”
- —Wrinkly Kong,Donkey Kong Land III
Wrinkly Kong is a recurring supporting character in theDonkey Kong franchise. She is an elderlyKong and the late wife ofCranky Kong. She first appeared inDonkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, but has been deceased and appeared as a ghost sinceDonkey Kong 64. Wrinkly's role is usually either to provide information or to save the player's game progress.
History[edit]
Donkey Kong Country series[edit]
Donkey Kong Country[edit]
While Wrinkly Kong does not physically appear inDonkey Kong Country,Cranky Kong mentions her as "Mrs. Kong" in one of his lines.[3]
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest[edit]
In her debut appearance, Wrinkly runs a school named theKong Kollege, where she can saveDiddy Kong andDixie Kong's game for twoBanana Coins inWestern releases and one Banana Coin in Japanese releases. Like Cranky'sMonkey Museum, Wrinkly provides hints that range from either no cost to a few Banana Coins. In various moments, Wrinkly alludes that the Kong Kollege is specifically a school for theKremlings, includingKaptain K. Rool, whom she asks theKongs to ask if he has done his homework.
In theGame Boy Advance version, Diddy and Dixie can request homework from Wrinkly, where their assignment is to entirely fill aScrapbook with all 40photographs. Wrinkly gives aHero Coin to them for every page they fill. Wrinkly no longer saves the player's progress, as this is done from the world map's
menu.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble![edit]
Wrinkly also appears inDonkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. Sometime after the events ofDonkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Wrinkly retired from teaching at Kong Kollege and moved to theNorthern Kremisphere inside aWrinkly's Save Cave. Like Kong Kollege, Wrinkly's Save Cave has a crucial role in saving the player's game progress, although it is free of charge. She no longer provides level hints, and she cares for theBanana Birds rescued from varioussecret caves. Whenever the Kongs enter her Save Cave, Wrinkly is performing one of four activities, either exercising, sitting on her couch either asleep or awake, or playing theNintendo 64.
In theGame Boy Advance version, Wrinkly's role has been lessened. She only runs a single sanctuary, namedWrinkly's Retreat, from the mainNorthern Kremisphere map. There her only purpose is taking care of the Banana Birds rescued by Dixie andKiddy Kong. As withDonkey Kong Country 2's Game Boy Advance remake, Wrinkly no longer saves the player's progress, which is instead done from the world map's menu.
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D[edit]
Although Wrinkly does not appear inDonkey Kong Country Returns 3D, for the game's marketing campaign,Nintendo UK's Facebook page postedan imageMedia:DKC Returns 3D DKC cartoon reference.jpeg titled "What is your Donkey Kong name?" with one of the names listed being "Wrinkly."
Donkey Kong Land series[edit]
In theDonkey Kong Land series, Wrinkly's role is consistent with her appearances in each game's correspondingDonkey Kong Country counterpart. InDonkey Kong Land 2, she offers to save the player's game for two Banana Coins, just as inDonkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, but she no longer offers any gameplay advice. InDonkey Kong Land III, Wrinkly retains her role of saving the Kongs' progress inDonkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, though a big difference is she no longer cares for the Banana Birds, as they do not make a reappearance. Additionally, Wrinkly does not perform various activities and is always sitting awake on her couch. One of Wrinkly's lines has a misspelling ofKremling: "Keep an eye out for those Kremlins!".
Club Nintendo[edit]
Wrinkly is briefly seen in the ending of theClub Nintendo comic, "Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24", quarreling with Cranky. It is strongly implied that the reason is because Cranky kissed a random girl out of enthusiasm thatEarth was saved.
Donkey Kong 64[edit]
- “My body may have passed away since DKC3, but I'm here in spirit to help you defeat those naughty crocodiles.”
- —Wrinkly Kong,Donkey Kong 64
InDonkey Kong 64, Wrinkly is revealed to have died sometime after the events ofDonkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! and appears as a ghost. In every level's lobby, the activeKong can talk to Wrinkly from one of the five color-codedWrinkly Doors. If the Kong steps in front of a Wrinkly Door of their color, a ghostly sound effect plays and Wrinkly comes out from the door. She gives a hint to the Kong on how they can obtain aGolden Banana. When talking to Wrinkly, a slower and major key version ofCranky's Lab plays. Her appearance as a ghost in this game would later continue into her future appearances.
Wrinkly is the game's only supporting character with an optional role and one that does not cost anything. She is also the only Kong in the game who does not appear during the end credits.
Donkey Konga 2[edit]
Wrinkly Kong makes a cameo appearance inDonkey Konga 2 as one of the badges that can be selected to pair with a high score for a song or minigame. Her artwork fromDonkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! appears in Freestyle Zone while the player plays theDK Bongos.
DK series[edit]
DK: King of Swing[edit]
InDK: King of Swing, during the starting tutorial levelCranky's Lectures, Wrinkly assists Cranky in teaching the basic controls toDonkey Kong. She demonstrates to him how to climbPeg Boards and how to charge an attack. Wrinkly is also unlockable in the Jungle Jam mode, her first playable appearance in general, and she can be unlocked by obtaining everyCrystal Coconut. In Jungle Jam, Wrinkly has a high jumping ability, tied withDixie Kong's, though she has an intermediate attack.
DK: Jungle Climber[edit]
Wrinkly makes a minor appearance in the opening cutscene forDK: Jungle Climber, having gone on vacation toSun Sun Island with the other Kongs. She appears alongside Cranky, admiring the scenery, and carries a white umbrella. Despite only having one minor appearance, Wrinkly has official artwork for the game, similar toCandy Kong inDK: King of Swing. She is unvoiced in this game.
Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast[edit]
InDonkey Kong: Barrel Blast, Wrinkly is an unlockable playable character. She is unlocked by completingCandy's Challenge #26: Let Wrinkly Kong Win!, which is level 4 in difficulty. As the name implies, Wrinkly must come in first in order to complete the challenge. Wrinkly's rival isKopter, and she has average boost and speed and maxed-out agility. Like all other playable characters, Wrinkly has the ability to performWild Moves.
Wrinkly is the only playable Kong who does not appear on the game's title screen.
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
In theSuper Smash Bros. series, Wrinkly only appears in the form of a few different items. InSuper Smash Bros. Brawl, Wrinkly appears as both atrophy and asticker. Her trophy heavily resembles herDK: Jungle Climber artwork, and ironically, Wrinkly's trophy incorrectly mentions her latest game appearance asDonkey Kong 64 instead ofDK: Jungle Climber, though in the Japanese version, the trophy incorrectly lists Wrinkly's debut appearance asDonkey Kong Country 2 for the Game Boy Advance. Wrinkly's sticker, which recycles herDK: King of Swing artwork, can only be used by Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, and equipping it raises resistance against battering attacks by four. InSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U, Wrinkly returns as a trophy, which is featured in the "Donkey Kong and his friends" trophy box. InSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, Wrinkly Kong appears as aspirit.
Nintendo Music[edit]
Since January 6th, 2025, theNintendo Music app has featured a Wrinkly Kong playlist. It contains 4 tracks from across theDonkey Kong Country series and is 5 minutes long.
General information[edit]
Physical description[edit]
Back when she was alive, Wrinkly Kong was an oldKong with a similar build to her husband Cranky Kong. She is covered in brown fur, has grey hair on her head and she also wears glasses. In her debut inDonkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, she wore a green blanket. InDonkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, she wears a white and purple gymnastics outfit that has dark gray fur armbands, and also wears white and purple sneakers and a white and purple headband. In theGBA remake ofDonkey Kong Country 3, she only wears a white coat and does not wear any shoes.
Ever since she became a ghost inDonkey Kong 64, Wrinkly still retained a similar appearance as inDonkey Kong Country 2, except she is now white and translucent, has a wispy tail where her legs used to be, and wears a nightgown. In her current appearance introduced inDK: King of Swing, she is no longer translucent and has gray fur, though her skin is rather white. Her glasses are much smaller and are oval shaped, compared to her previous semicircular ones, and her hair is covered by a white nightcap.
Profiles and statistics[edit]
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble![edit]
- Player's Guide:Wrinkly dumped her schoolmarm duds to take up the fitness craze. When she's not working out to aerobics videos, she's sharpening her reflexes on the Nintendo 64. Stop in for a visit and she'll save your game progress. Wrinkly's abode is also where the freed Banana Birds migrate to roost. Check out the flock whenever you save your game.[4]
Rarewhere: DKC Trilogy Cast List[edit]
APPEARS IN: DKC 2, 3
The younger Kongs often wonder how Wrinkly can put up with the endless grouching of her husband Cranky at all, let alone come away from it with her own kind, good-natured outlook still intact. Wrinkly was still teaching at Kong Kollege when Diddy and Dixie set out to rescue the kidnapped DK, but since then she's retired and moved away from all the Kremlings and screaming kids to a network of caves that run through the surrounding islands. These days she spends her time reading, exercising, feeding the banana birds and, when she thinks nobody's around, even playing the occasional video game.[5]
Donkey Kong 64[edit]
- Instruction booklet bio fromProfessor Cranky Kong (page 9):She may not be quite the same as you remember her from past adventures, but my good-natured wife will again be around to help you if you get stuck... which I’m sure you will.
- Player's Guide:Wrinkly Kong isn’t about to let a little thing like death keep her from helping her hairy kinfolk in their biggest adventure yet. The matriarch of the Kong family returns in ghostly form to give hints to the youngsters. Clearly, she enjoys tormenting them with half-truths and incomplete directions, but most of the time she coddles the kids with helpful suggestions. You can be sure to find Wrinkly’s sage advice behind any of the doors that show a picture of her face.[6]
- Prima Games guide:Wrinkly has come back in spirit form to help the Kong family defeat K. Rool. She can't fight the lizard's minions but she can provide tips and hints. In the lobby of each level are five Wrinkly doors. Approach one and Wrinkly will come out to bestow her knowledge.[7]
- German website:After the last great adventure of the Kongs, Wrinkly, who was advanced in years, left us, much to the sadness of all involved. Nevertheless, she returns from the realm of the spirits to provide her friends and relatives with all kinds of important information and useful tips. In the lobby of each level there are five doors, each with a frame of a different color. If a Kong approaches one of these doors, Wrinkly appears and gives him a hint to uncover especially well-kept secrets. Wrinkly loves her friends and relatives so much that she even crosses the threshold of mortality in order to support them in the battle against the evil empire of theKremlings.
DK: King of Swing[edit]
- Jump: 5
- Attack: 2
- Instruction booklet description:
- English (United States):
Wife of Cranky. Even though she's passed away, she's a gentle Kong who frets about Donkey Kong.[8] - English (United Kingdom):
Wife of Cranky. Even though she's passed away, she's a gentle Kong who frets about Donkey.[9] - Other languages:
- French:
Même disparue, la femme de Cranky continue à se faire des tracas pour Donkey.[10] - German:
Crankys Frau. Obwohl schon längst verschieden, ist sie immer noch eine fürsorgliche Kong, die sich stats Sorgen um Donkey macht.[11] - Italian:
È la moglie di Cranky e veglia su Donkey dall'aldilà.[12] - Spanish:
Es la mujer de Cranky. Aunque ya ha pasado a mejor vida, es una buena Kong que se preocupa por Donkey.[13]
- French:
- English (United States):
Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast[edit]
| Wrinkly Kong | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||
| Rival | Kopter | Boost | 3/5 | ||
| Speed | 3/5 | Agility | 5/5 | ||
| How to unlock: WinCandy's Challenges 26: Let Wrinkly Kong win! | |||||
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]
| Trophy Wrinkly Kong | ||
 | ||
| Appears in: SNESDonkey Kong Country 2 N64Donkey Kong 64 | ||
| How to unlock: Random | ||
| The wife of Cranky Kong. Wrinkly first appeared as director of Kong Kollege, where she provided game hints. Did you know King K. Rool was also a student of hers? After her passing, she appeared in Donkey Kong 64 as a ghost, where again... she provided hints. | ||
| Sticker Wrinkly Kong | ||
 | ||
| Artwork from:DK: King of Swing | ||
| Effects inThe Subspace Emissary: Battering Resistance +4 | ||
| Usable by: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong | ||
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]
| Trophy Wrinkly Kong | ||
 | ||
| Category: Series Related | ||
( )Appears in:SNESDonkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (11/1995) N64Donkey Kong 64 (11/1999) | ||
| ()Trophy Box: 17: Donkey Kong and His Friends | ||
| How to unlock: Random | ||
| Wrinkly Kong first appears in Donkey Kong Country 2, where she manages the Kong Kollege. Even Kaptain K. Rool was one of her students at one time! Sadly, Wrinkly has become a spirit by the time she's seen in Donkey Kong 64. She doesn't let her ghostly form keep her from sharing advice, though.(American English) | ||
| Wrinkly has been in the series since Donkey Kong Country 2, where she was the director of Kong Kollege. Even Kaptain K. Rool was one of her students once upon a time! She passed away at some point before Donkey Kong 64, but still shows up now and then as a ghost. Why should she let a little thing like death stop her?(British English) | ||
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
| Spirit #144 Wrinkly Kong | ||
| Series/game | Donkey Kong Series |
| Type | Support | |
| Slots | 1 | |
| Class | Advanced | |
| Strength / effect(s) | Trade-Off Defense ↑ | |
| How to obtain | World of Light (Light Realm);Spirit Board | |
| Spirit battle | Opponent(s) | ClearDonkey Kong |
| Conditions | Hazard: High Gravity; Low Gravity
| |
| Stage | Luigi's Mansion | |
| Song | The Map Page / Bonus Level |
Gallery[edit]
- For this subject's image gallery, seeGallery:Wrinkly Kong.
Donkey Kong Card Game trading card
Quotes[edit]
- Main article:List of Wrinkly Kong quotes
List of appearances[edit]
| Title | Description | Release | System/format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest | Non-playable character | 1995 | SNES |
| Donkey Kong Land 2 | Non-playable character | 1996 | Game Boy |
| Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! | Non-playable character | 1996 | SNES |
| Donkey Kong Land III | Non-playable character | 1997 | Game Boy |
| Donkey Kong 64 | Non-playable character | 1999 | Nintendo 64 |
| Donkey Kong GB: Dinky Kong & Dixie Kong (port) | Non-playable character | 2000 | Game Boy Color |
| Donkey Kong Country 2 (remake) | Non-playable character | 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| DK: King of Swing | Unlockable playable character in Jungle Jam mode | 2005 | Game Boy Advance |
| Donkey Kong Country 3 (remake) | Non-playable character | 2005 | Game Boy Advance |
| Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast | Unlockable playable character | 2007 | Wii |
| DK: Jungle Climber | Non-playable character | 2007 | Nintendo DS |
| Super Smash Bros. Brawl | Cameo astrophy andsticker | 2008 | Wii |
| Super Smash Bros. for Wii U | Cameo astrophy | 2014 | Wii U |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Cameo asspirit | 2018 | Nintendo Switch |
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | リンクリーコング[14] Rinkurī Kongu | Wrinkly Kong | |
| Chinese(Simplified) | 瑞珂丽刚[15] Ruìkēlì Gāng | Wrinkly Kong | |
| Finnish | Kurttu Kong[16] | Wrinkle Kong | Donkey Kong Country andDonkey Kong Land manuals |
| Korean | 링클리콩[14] Ringkeulli Kong | Wrinkly Kong | |
| Russian | Ринкли Конг[14] Rinkli Kong | Wrinkly Kong | |
| Spanish | Wrinkly Kong[14] | Wrinkly Kong |
Notes[edit]
- The artwork of Wrinkly Kong forDonkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest shows her reading a book with various phrases like "Diddy's Kong Quest is the best game in the world.", "Look for more great games from RARE.", and a "Worm Pie" recipe.
- In theDonkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! group artwork of the Kongs playing on the Nintendo 64, Wrinkly is seen with a green blanket like inDonkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, yet in the game and her solo artwork, she wears a white and purple gymnastics outfit.
References[edit]
- ^"Hello, dearies. I'm Mrs. Wrinkly Kong, headmistress here atKong Kollege." – Wrinkly Kong.Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
- ^"Hello there, it's me - Mrs. Wrinkly Kong!" – Wrinkly Kong.Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
- ^"Sure beats a visit from Mrs. Kong! How can I help you?" – Cranky Kong.Donkey Kong Country.
- ^Owsen, Dan, et al. (1996).Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Player's Guide.Nintendo of America (English). Page 8.
- ^DKC Trilogy Cast List.Rarewhere (British English). Archived September 1, 1999, 06:31:21 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^Bihldorff, Nate, et al. (1999).Donkey Kong 64Player's Guide.Nintendo of America (English). Page 6.
- ^Barton, Jeff, et al. (December 1, 1999).Donkey Kong 64 Prima's Official Strategy Guide.Prima Games (American English). ISBN0-7615-2279-4. Page 14.
- ^2005.DK: King of Swing instruction booklet.Nintendo of America (English). Page 21.
- ^2005.DK: King of Swing instruction booklet.Nintendo of Europe (English). Page 21.
- ^2005.DK: King of Swing instruction booklet.Nintendo of Europe (French). Page 61.
- ^2005.DK: King of Swing instruction booklet.Nintendo of Europe (German). Page 41.
- ^2005.DK: King of Swing instruction booklet.Nintendo of Europe (Italian). Page 121.
- ^2005.DK: King of Swing instruction booklet.Nintendo of Europe (Spanish). Page 101.
- ^abcdNintendo Music
- ^From the unreleased iQue prototype ofDK: King of Swing
- ^Hannu “TheHande” Mäkinen (June 4, 2022).TheHande talks about More Manuals & Finnish DK Names (5:53). Retrieved April 12, 2025 from YouTube.
- Kongs
- Playable characters
- Parents
- Married characters
- Deceased characters
- Ghosts
- Mentors
- Club Nintendo
- DK: Jungle Climber characters
- DK: King of Swing
- Donkey Kong 64 characters
- Donkey Kong allies
- Donkey Kong Bananza statues
- Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast characters
- Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest characters
- Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! characters
- Donkey Kong Land 2 characters
- Donkey Kong Land III characters
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophies
- Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophies
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate spirits
- Grandparents
