You may be familiar with Nintendo and its iconic character Donkey Kong, who has been featured in the DK rap and various video games. Surprisingly, before settling on the name Donkey Kong, the company considered several other names, one of which was “Kong Dong.”
Despite the comical nature of the name, it could have been a reality for this beloved video game character. Imagine a world where kids openly discuss their love for “dong,” causing awkward situations for their parents. Maybe “Kong Dong” wouldn’t have been such a bad choice after all.
The revelation about the name “Kong Dong” comes from old court documents from the 80s, uncovered by gaming historian Norman Caruso in 2020. These documents have resurfaced, sparking interest due to the humorous nature of the name.
The legal dispute between Nintendo and Universal over the similarity between Donkey Kong and King Kong eventually led to Nintendo retaining the name. Alternative names considered for Donkey Kong included Funny Kong, Funky Kong, and even the infamous Kong Dong.
While “Kong Dong” may have been a questionable choice, other names like Custom Kong and Kong Down could have been interesting alternatives. How do you feel about Nintendo’s forgotten dong? Share your thoughts below.
