Classic NES Series - Donkey Kong ROM

Donkey Kong (1981) is a groundbreaking arcade classic developed and published by Nintendo. Step into the shoes of Mario, who must navigate a treacherous construction site by running, jumping across platforms, and climbing ladders to rescue Pauline from the mighty gorilla, Donkey Kong. As the inaugural title in the Donkey Kong series and Mario’s first appearance in gaming history, it marked a significant milestone.

Designed under the visionary leadership of Shigeru Miyamoto—Nintendo’s first-time game designer—alongside chief engineer Gunpei Yokoi, the game drew inspiration from diverse sources like Popeye, Beauty and the Beast, and King Kong. Miyamoto innovated by using graphics to tell a story, incorporating cutscenes to advance the plot, and creating multiple interconnected stages that enriched gameplay.

As one of the earliest platform games, Donkey Kong introduced the innovative mechanic of jumping, requiring players to leap over gaps, dodge enemies, and avoid obstacles—paving the way for future platformers. Featuring four distinct stages, it was among the most complex arcade games of its era, pioneering multi-stage gameplay that influenced countless titles to come.