Lego Super Mario Expands Universe with Incorporation of Donkey Kong and Kong Family
Going Ape with Lego: Donkey Kong Joins the Super Mario Squad
While we've seen a whopping 40 years of games featuring our beloved plumber, Lego is now taking a swing at Nintendo's other iconic franchise, Donkey Kong! This summer, the Kong clan starts invading the Lego Super Mario collection, with Donkey Kong himself leading the charge.
Although both Mario (then known as Jumpman) and Donkey Kong first made their debut in the 1981 arcade hit, it was the plumber who stole the spotlight. Donkey Kong was largely forgotten after his initial outing until Rare, the developers behind GoldenEye 007 for the N64, revitalized him with the side-scrolling platformer, Donkey Kong Country, back in 1994. This transformed the ape from villain to hero, cementing his status as a Nintendo mainstay.
Dominating the Jungle with Lego Donkey Kong
Get ready to build the 555-piece, $60 Donkey Kong's Tree House Expansion Set. This set will feature a buildable house filled with accessories like a TV, radio, conga drums, and a hammock. Unfortunately, just like Mario's experiences with his Kool-Aid, Donkey Kong is only a brick-build creation and won't come with interactive sensors or an LCD display.
The Biggest Threat: Diddy Kong's Mine Cart Ride
The largest addition to the Lego Super Mario collection is the 1,157-piece, $110, Diddy Kong's Mine Cart Ride Expansion Set. This set will include buildable versions of both Diddy Kong and the impossibly chill Funky Kong. You'll also receive a short section of rideable mine cart track that can break apart, a Mole Miner, and a Snaggle shark.
Keeping the Beats Alive with Dixie Kong's Jungle Jam
Still can't shake off the DK Rap? The 174-piece, $27, Dixie Kong's Jungle Jam Expansion Set might help with another earworm, as you can rock out with Lego Super Mario, Luigi, and Peach alongside Dixie Kong and Squawks the parrot on a small stage.
Rolling with Rambi the Rhino
The smallest of the new Lego Super Mario sets is the 106-piece, $11, Rambi the Rhino Expansion Set. This set includes Donkey Kong's primary mode of transport in the jungle (besides vines), a rhinoceros capable of bulldozing through enemies and obstacles.
Starting on August 1, all of these new Lego Super Mario Donkey Kong expansion sets will be available on Lego's website and brick-and-mortar stores worldwide.
Check out Lego new releases at Amazon
Want more io9 news? Keep up with the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases. Find out what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and all you need to know about James Cameron's Avatar: The Way of Water.
- Io9 announces that the Lego Super Mario collection will expand with Donkey Kong, starting with a Tree House set, rendered in 555 pieces and priced at $60.
- Another significant addition is the Mine Cart Ride Expansion Set, featuring Diddy Kong and Funky Kong, with a total of 1,157 pieces retailing for $110.
- The Dixie Kong's Jungle Jam Expansion Set, consisting of 174 pieces and costing $27, includes Lego figures of Dixie Kong, Squawks the parrot, and other characters, allowing fans to recreate the infamous DK Rap.
- Completing the lineup is the Rambi the Rhino Expansion Set, offering 106 pieces and a price of $11, featuring the rhino that helps Donkey Kong navigate the jungle. All the sets will be available from Lego's online store and retailers worldwide starting August 1.
Browse Lego new releases at AmazonDiscover the latest io9 news including Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe releases, and updates on Avatar: The Way of Water.
