DK Spaceport (theme)
| "DK Spaceport" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "DK Spaceport" in Mario Kart World | |||
Image from Nintendo Music | |||
| Composed by: Takuhiro Honda[1] | |||
| Genres | Jazz fusion, rock and roll | ||
| Key | B-flat major | ||
| BPM | 174 | ||
| Time signature | 4 4 | ||
| Appears in | Mario Kart World (2025) | ||
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"DK Spaceport"[2][3] is a musical theme in Mario Kart World, where it plays when racing on the course of the same name. It includes quotes and arrangements from several themes from Donkey Kong, namely "Round 1 BGM".
History[edit]
Mario Kart World[edit]
- See also: Staff Credits (Mario Kart World theme)
Mario Kart World features the first appearance of "DK Spaceport". The theme is divided into six different tracks that play on different parts of the course and have distinct transitions between each of them. The in-game pause menu does not distinguish these tracks from each other, referring to all of them as simply "DK Spaceport"; however, they are separated and given unique names in the Nintendo Music app.
The first lap of the track plays the main version of the theme, which is simply titled "DK Spaceport" on Nintendo Music. It starts with an arrangement of "Round Start BGM" from Donkey Kong before transitioning to "Round 1 BGM" from the same game. The arrangement is done in a big band jazz style, with a focus on percussion and brass. A quieter, chiptune version of "Round 1 BGM", reminiscent of its original version in the arcade game, also makes brief appearances in the background.
The second lap of the track plays an arrangement titled "DK Spaceport (Lap 2)". Compared to the first lap, this version is quieter, mainly featuring "Round 1 BGM" played on horn with synthesizers in the background. It continues in B-flat major like the beginning of the piece.
The third lap of the track plays an arrangement called "DK Spaceport (Lap 3)". A piano tune is added to the second lap version, accompanying the horn, and the key shifts up to D-flat minor.
The fourth lap of the track plays an arrangement called "DK Spaceport (Lap 4)". This version makes the horn from the previous two laps quieter, and plays an original melody on brass. The key signature goes up another minor third to E.
The fifth lap of the track plays an arrangement called "DK Spaceport (Lap 5)". Like the lap four version, this version plays an original melody with the melody of "Round 1 BGM" in the background, this time incorporating brass and electric instruments. The key signature goes up again to G major/minor.
The final lap of the track plays an arrangement called "DK Spaceport (Final Lap)". This version, returning to B-flat major, is an arrangement of "Hammer BGM" from Donkey Kong; like the main version of "DK Spaceport", it is also played in a big band style with a focus on percussion and brass instruments, and has a faster tempo of 192 BPM. DK Spaceport is the third course in the series to play a different music track for its final lap rather than speeding up its original music, succeeding "Mount Wario" and "Big Blue" from Mario Kart 8. "Rainbow Road" also does the same. All of these courses are split into sections instead of laps.
When racing on a route to DK Spaceport from another course, a prelude arrangement named "DK Spaceport (Intro)" plays, which transitions into "DK Spaceport" once the course is reached.
In Knockout Tour, when approaching the next checkpoint, an arrangement of "Round 1 and 2 Clear" plays. If the players reach the area near the checkpoint when the theme is near the end, an extended version of that outro will play, featuring an arrangement of "Round Start BGM", similar to the one at the start of the main version before it.
A chiptune arrangement of the main melody of "DK Spaceport" in C major is incorporated in "Staff Credits", which plays during the game's staff credits and is a medley of various themes from the game. It plays between "Mario Bros. Circuit" and "Salty Salty Speedway".
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Gallery[edit]
Image for "DK Spaceport (Intro)" from Mario Kart World on Nintendo Music
List of Super Mario appearances[edit]
| Work | System | Year | Type | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Kart World | Nintendo Switch 2 | 2025 | Original | "DK Spaceport"[2][3] | Takuhiro Honda |
| Arrangement | "DK Spaceport (Lap 2)"[2] | ||||
| "DK Spaceport (Lap 3)"[2] | |||||
| "DK Spaceport (Lap 4)"[2] | |||||
| "DK Spaceport (Lap 5)"[2] | |||||
| "DK Spaceport (Final Lap)"[2] | |||||
| Pastiche | "DK Spaceport (Intro)"[2] | ||||
| Arrangement | "Staff Credits"[2] |
Names in other languages[edit]
"DK Spaceport"[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | DKうちゅうセンター DK Uchū Sentā |
DK Space Center | [2] | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | DK太空中心 DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center | [2] | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | DK太空中心 DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center | [2] | |
| Dutch | DK's Lanceerbasis | DK's Launch Base | [2] | |
| French | Spatioport DK | DK Spaceport | [2] | |
| German | DK-Startrampe | DK Launch Pad | [2] | |
| Italian | Astroparco di DK | DK's Starpark | [2] | |
| Korean | DK 우주 센터 DK Uju Senteo |
DK Space Center | [2] | |
| Polish | Kosmoport DK | DK Spaceport | [3] | |
| Portuguese | Centro Espacial DK | DK Space Center | [2] | |
| Russian | Космопорт ДК Kosmoport DK |
DK Spaceport | [2] | |
| Spanish | Puerto Espacial DK | DK Space Port | [2] | |
| Thai | สถานีอวกาศ DK Sàtǎanii'àwágàat DK |
DK Space Station | [3] |
"DK Spaceport (Intro)"[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | DKうちゅうセンター(イントロ) DK Uchū Sentā (Intoro) |
DK Space Center (Intro) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | DK太空中心(序曲) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Xùqǔ) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Jeuihkūk) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Overture) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | DK太空中心(前奏) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Qiánzòu) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Chìhnjau) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Prelude) | [2] | |
| Dutch | DK's Lanceerbasis (intro) | DK's Launch Base (intro) | [2] | |
| French | Spatioport DK (intro) | DK Spaceport (intro) | [2] | |
| German | DK-Startrampe (Intro) | DK Launch Pad (Intro) | [2] | |
| Italian | Astroparco di DK (intro) | DK's Starpark (intro) | [2] | |
| Korean | DK 우주 센터 (인트로) DK Uju Senteo (Inteuro) |
DK Space Center (Intro) | [2] | |
| Polish | Kosmoport DK | DK Spaceport | [3] | |
| Portuguese | Centro Espacial DK (Introdução) | DK Space Center (Introduction) | [2] | |
| Russian | Космопорт ДК (вступление) Kosmoport DK (vstupleniye) |
DK Spaceport (introduction) | [2] | |
| Spanish | Puerto Espacial DK (introducción) | DK Space Port (introduction) | [2] |
"DK Spaceport (Lap 2)"[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | DKうちゅうセンター(LAP2) DK Uchū Sentā (LAP2) |
DK Space Center (LAP 2) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | DK太空中心(第二圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Dì'èr Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Daihyih Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Lap 2) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | DK太空中心(第二圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Dì'èr Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Daihyih Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Lap 2) | [2] | |
| Dutch | DK's Lanceerbasis (2e ronde) | DK's Launch Base (lap 2) | [2] | |
| French | Spatioport DK (2e tour) | DK Spaceport (lap 2) | [2] | |
| German | DK-Startrampe (Runde 2) | DK Launch Pad (Lap 2) | [2] | |
| Italian | Astroparco di DK (secondo giro) | DK's Starpark (lap 2) | [2] | |
| Korean | DK 우주 센터 (LAP 2) DK Uju Senteo (LAP 2) |
DK Space Center (LAP 2) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | Centro Espacial DK (2ª volta) | DK Space Center (lap 2) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Europe) | Centro Espacial DK (2.ª Volta) | DK Space Center (Lap 2) | [2] | |
| Russian | Космопорт ДК (круг 2) Kosmoport DK (krug 2) |
DK Spaceport (lap 2) | [2] | |
| Spanish | Puerto Espacial DK (vuelta 2) | DK Space Port (lap 2) | [2] |
"DK Spaceport (Lap 3)"[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | DKうちゅうセンター(LAP3) DK Uchū Sentā (LAP3) |
DK Space Center (LAP 3) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | DK太空中心(第三圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Dì-sān Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Daihsām Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Lap 3) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | DK太空中心(第三圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Dì-sān Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Daihsām Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Lap 3) | [2] | |
| Dutch | DK's Lanceerbasis (3e ronde) | DK's Launch Base (lap 3) | [2] | |
| French | Spatioport DK (3e tour) | DK Spaceport (lap 3) | [2] | |
| German | DK-Startrampe (Runde 3) | DK Launch Pad (Lap 3) | [2] | |
| Italian | Astroparco di DK (terzo giro) | DK's Starpark (lap 3) | [2] | |
| Korean | DK 우주 센터 (LAP 3) DK Uju Senteo (LAP 3) |
DK Space Center (LAP 3) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | Centro Espacial DK (3ª volta) | DK Space Center (lap 3) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Europe) | Centro Espacial DK (3.ª Volta) | DK Space Center (Lap 3) | [2] | |
| Russian | Космопорт ДК (круг 3) Kosmoport DK (krug 3) |
DK Spaceport (lap 3) | [2] | |
| Spanish | Puerto Espacial DK (vuelta 3) | DK Space Port (lap 3) | [2] |
"DK Spaceport (Lap 4)"[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | DKうちゅうセンター(LAP4) DK Uchū Sentā (LAP4) |
DK Space Center (LAP 4) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | DK太空中心(第四圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Dì-sì Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Daihsei Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Lap 4) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | DK太空中心(第四圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Dì-sì Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Daihsei Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Lap 4) | [2] | |
| Dutch | DK's Lanceerbasis (4e ronde) | DK's Launch Base (lap 4) | [2] | |
| French | Spatioport DK (4e tour) | DK Spaceport (lap 4) | [2] | |
| German | DK-Startrampe (Runde 4) | DK Launch Pad (Lap 4) | [2] | |
| Italian | Astroparco di DK (quarto giro) | DK's Starpark (lap 4) | [2] | |
| Korean | DK 우주 센터 (LAP 4) DK Uju Senteo (LAP 4) |
DK Space Center (LAP 4) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | Centro Espacial DK (4ª volta) | DK Space Center (lap 4) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Europe) | Centro Espacial DK (4.ª Volta) | DK Space Center (Lap 4) | [2] | |
| Russian | Космопорт ДК (круг 4) Kosmoport DK (krug 4) |
DK Spaceport (lap 4) | [2] | |
| Spanish | Puerto Espacial DK (vuelta 4) | DK Space Port (lap 4) | [2] |
"DK Spaceport (Lap 5)"[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | DKうちゅうセンター(LAP5) DK Uchū Sentā (LAP5) |
DK Space Center (LAP 5) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | DK太空中心(第五圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Dì-wǔ Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Daih'ńgh Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Lap 5) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | DK太空中心(第五圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Dì-wǔ Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Daih'ńgh Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Lap 5) | [2] | |
| Dutch | DK's Lanceerbasis (5e ronde) | DK's Launch Base (lap 5) | [2] | |
| French | Spatioport DK (5e tour) | DK Spaceport (lap 5) | [2] | |
| German | DK-Startrampe (Runde 5) | DK Launch Pad (Lap 5) | [2] | |
| Italian | Astroparco di DK (quinto giro) | DK's Starpark (lap 5) | [2] | |
| Korean | DK 우주 센터 (LAP 5) DK Uju Senteo (LAP 5) |
DK Space Center (LAP 5) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | Centro Espacial DK (5ª volta) | DK Space Center (lap 5) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Europe) | Centro Espacial DK (5.ª Volta) | DK Space Center (Lap 5) | [2] | |
| Russian | Космопорт ДК (круг 5) Kosmoport DK (krug 5) |
DK Spaceport (lap 5) | [2] | |
| Spanish | Puerto Espacial DK (vuelta 5) | DK Space Port (lap 5) | [2] |
"DK Spaceport (Final Lap)"[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Note(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | DKうちゅうセンター(ファイナルラップ) DK Uchū Sentā (Fainaru Rappu) |
DK Space Center (Final Lap) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Simplified) | DK太空中心(最后一圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Zuìhòu Yī Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Jeui'hauh Yāt Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Final Lap) | [2] | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | DK太空中心(最後一圈) DK Tàikōng Zhōngxīn (Zuìhòu Yī Quān) (Mandarin) DK Tai'hūng Jūngsām (Jeui'hauh Yāt Hyūn) (Cantonese) |
DK Space Center (Final Lap) | [2] | |
| Dutch | DK's Lanceerbasis (laatste ronde) | DK's Launch Base (last lap) | [2] | |
| French | Spatioport DK (dernier tour) | DK Spaceport (final lap) | [2] | |
| German | DK-Startrampe (Letzte Runde) | DK Launch Pad (Last Lap) | [2] | |
| Italian | Astroparco di DK (ultimo giro) | DK's Starpark (last lap) | [2] | |
| Korean | DK 우주 센터 (파이널 랩) DK Uju Senteo (Paineol Raep) |
DK Space Center (Final Lap) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | Centro Espacial DK (Última volta) | DK Space Center (Last lap) | [2] | |
| Portuguese (Europe) | Centro Espacial DK (Última Volta) | DK Space Center (Last Lap) | [2] | |
| Russian | Космопорт ДК (финальный круг) Kosmoport DK (finalnyy krug) |
DK Spaceport (final lap) | [2] | |
| Spanish | Puerto Espacial DK (última vuelta) | DK Space Port (last lap) | [2] |
References[edit]
- ^ Takuhiro Honda. 仕事を読み解くキーワード:2分間のBGMに魅力を詰め込む|採用情報|任天堂. Nintendo (Japanese). Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm Nintendo Music
- ^ a b c d e Mario Kart World pause menu