Monstrous Matchup: Donkey Kong vs. Bowser – Clash of the Giants!

Nintendo is filled with iconic video game characters, but there are two colossus figures: Bowser and Donkey Kong. Both have their video game series, and both have plenty of crossover games. Bowser is the villain of the Mario series whole Donkey is the protagonist in his series as well as an ally to Mario.

But who would win in a straight-up battle? It can’t be as simple as their powers and abilities in the game; we should also discuss their relevance to pop culture.

Let’s first discuss their known projects.

Donkey Kong vs. Bowser Titles

Here is a list of the more popular titles.

Donkey Kong

1. Donkey Kong (1981) Playable Platforms: Arcade, NES, various other platforms through emulation or re-releases
2. Donkey Kong Jr. (1982) Playable Platforms: Arcade, NES, various other platforms through emulation or re-releases
3. Donkey Kong 3 (1983) Playable Platforms: Arcade, NES, various other platforms through emulation or re-releases
4. Donkey Kong Country (1994) Playable Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy Advance (GBA), Virtual Console
5. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (1995) Playable Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy Advance (GBA), Virtual Console
6. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! (1996) Playable Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy Advance (GBA), Virtual Console
7. Donkey Kong 64 (1999) Playable Platforms: Nintendo 64 (N64)
8. Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010) Playable Platforms: Wii, Nintendo 3DS
9. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014) Playable Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch
10. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze – Nintendo Switch (2018) Playable Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Bowser

1. Super Mario Bros. (1985) Playable Platforms: NES, various other platforms through re-releases and emulations
2. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (1986) Playable Platforms: NES, various other platforms through re-releases and emulations
3. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) Playable Platforms: NES, various other platforms through re-releases and emulations
4. Super Mario World (1990) Playable Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), various other platforms through re-releases and emulations
5. Super Mario 64 (1996) Playable Platforms: Nintendo 64 (N64), Nintendo DS, various other platforms through re-releases and emulations
6. Super Mario Sunshine (2002) Playable Platforms: Nintendo GameCube
7. New Super Mario Bros. (2006) Playable Platforms: Nintendo DS, Wii U (as part of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe)
8. Super Mario Galaxy (2007) Playable Platforms: Wii, Wii U (as part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars)
9. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009) Playable Platforms: Wii
10. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) Playable Platforms: Wii
11. New Super Mario Bros. 2 (2012) Playable Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
12. New Super Mario Bros. U (2012) Playable Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch (as part of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe)
13. Super Mario 3D World (2013) Playable Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch (as part of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury)
14. Super Mario Odyssey (2017) Playable Platforms: Nintendo Switch
15. Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020) Playable Platforms: Nintendo Switch

It should already note that Bowser has no standalone games where you play as Bowser. He always plays as the antagonist. Even though Donkey Kong was created as an ally of Mario, he ends up as the main character in his games. In this category alone, Donkey Kong is the winner.

Popular Titles Winner: Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong vs. Bowser Powers

While Donkey Kong is only a gorilla, he has various abilities and powers showcased throughout his appearances. The list below includes some of his known powers and abilities based on his video game presence:

Donkey Kong

1. Super Strength: Donkey Kong is known for his incredible physical strength, allowing him to lift heavy objects and perform powerful attacks.
2. Ground Pound: Donkey Kong can perform a ground pound move by slamming his fists into the ground, causing shockwaves or revealing hidden items.
3. Barrel Throwing: Donkey Kong frequently uses barrels as weapons, tossing them at enemies or using them to break obstacles.
4. Rolling Attack: Donkey Kong can roll into a compact shape and barrel through enemies and barriers.
5. Climbing Skills: Donkey Kong is an excellent climber, capable of scaling walls, vines, and platforms with ease.
6. Banana Hoard: In many games, Donkey Kong’s main objective is to protect his precious Banana Hoard from villains.
7. Bongo Playing (Donkey Konga Series): In the Donkey Konga series, he showcases his rhythmic talents by playing bongos to the beat of songs.
8. Barrel Jetpack: In some games, Donkey Kong can use a barrel-based jetpack for flying or gliding.
9. Giant Punch: In Super Smash Bros. series, Donkey Kong’s special move is the Giant Punch, which charges up for a powerful punch.
10. Partner Abilities: In games like Donkey Kong Country, he can team up with various companions, each having unique abilities, such as Diddy Kong’s jetpack and Dixie Kong’s helicopter spin.
11. Coconut Shooter: In Donkey Kong 64, he uses a coconut shooter as one of his weapons.
12. Swimming Skills: Donkey Kong is a capable swimmer and can navigate underwater sections in some games.
13. Musical Instruments: In some titles, Donkey Kong uses musical instruments to interact with the game world and solve puzzles.
14. Animal Transformations: In the Donkey Kong Country series, he can transform into different animals, each with its own abilities.
15. Gorilla Warfare : In this game, Donkey Kong can perform various combo moves and acrobatic attacks.

Bowser

Bowser is an influential and iconic character with many abilities displayed throughout his appearances. Here are some of his known powers and abilities based on his video game performances:

1. Fire Breath: Bowser is known for his fiery breath, which he can use to shoot fireballs at his enemies.
2. Super Strength: Bowser possesses immense physical strength, allowing him to lift heavy objects and cause significant damage.
3. Shell Spin: Bowser can retreat into his shell and spin rapidly, damaging enemies in his path.
4. Claw Swipe: Bowser uses his sharp claws to swipe at opponents in close combat.
5. Ground Pound: Similar to Donkey Kong, Bowser can perform a ground pound move to create shockwaves or break obstacles.
6. Shell Toss: In some games, Bowser can throw his spiked shell as a projectile weapon.
7. Size Alteration: Bowser has the ability to grow in size, becoming gigantic and imposing.
8. Flight: In certain games, Bowser gains the ability to fly using wings or other means.
9. Magical Abilities: In various games, Bowser has displayed magical abilities, such as casting spells or creating energy attacks.
10. Summoning Minions: Bowser is skilled at summoning his loyal minions, including Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and other creatures, to aid him in battle.
11. Shell Shield: Bowser can use his shell as a defensive shield to protect himself from attacks.
12. Roaring Shockwave: In some games, Bowser can let out a mighty roar that creates shockwaves and stuns nearby foes.
13. Mechanical Innovations: In certain games, Bowser employs advanced technology and machinery to enhance his abilities and attack Mario and his friends.
14. Invulnerability: On occasions, Bowser becomes temporarily invulnerable to certain attacks, requiring unique strategies to defeat him.
15. Hammer Attacks: In some games, Bowser wields a giant hammer as a weapon, delivering devastating blows to adversaries.

Before all the Smash Bros. players come at me, Bowser seems to be the more potent character. Between his armored shell and fire breath, he can do everything Donkey Kong can do. In a straight up battle of strength, Bowser is the winner.

Powers Winner: Bowser

Donkey Kong vs. Bowser Pop Culture

For a long time, this question was probably pretty even. Bowser and Donkey Kong both have relevance in the gaming community and are both well-known by casuals. But the latest Mario movie launched Bowser into Stardom.

While Donkey Kong was also in the movie, Bowser stole the show and hearts of many. So it’s my personal opinion that Bowser wins the pop culture challenge.

Pop Culture Winner: Bowser

Donkey Kong vs. Bowser Winner

Bowser is the overall winner!