Title BGM (Donkey Kong)

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"Title BGM"
"Title BGM" in the NES version of Donkey Kong
Thumbnail for "Title BGM" from Donkey Kong for Nintendo Music
Image from Nintendo Music
Composed by:
Yukio Kaneoka
Key F major
First appearance Donkey Kong (NES) (1983)
Latest appearance Donkey Kong Bananza (2025)

"Title BGM"[1] is a musical theme composed by Yukio Kaneoka for the title screen in the NES version of Donkey Kong. This theme is sometimes paired in later arrangements with "Game Start," the opening theme from the same game. In subsequent games and other works in both the Donkey Kong franchise and the Super Mario franchise, this theme is occasionally used as a leitmotif for the Donkey Kong series and even Donkey Kong himself, though not as frequently as "DK Island Swing" from Donkey Kong Country.

History[edit]

Donkey Kong (NES)[edit]

While not present in the original arcade version of Donkey Kong, the title screen theme appears in the NES version, the e-Reader port Donkey Kong-e, and the Classic NES Series port.

"Title BGM" also appears in the Atari 7800 port of Donkey Kong, but it uses a different soundfont due to hardware differences.

Donkey Kong Country series[edit]

Donkey Kong Country[edit]

Main article: Cranky's Theme

In Donkey Kong Country, an arrangement of "Title BGM" with an additional, original melody for the second part of the theme, titled "Theme" in the game's official soundtrack and the Nintendo Music app, plays in the title screen. This arrangement returns in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and its Nintendo Switch port of the same name, where it is played on a phonograph in the secret exit of Canopy Chaos.

Another arrangement of "Title BGM" titled "Cranky's Theme" plays in Cranky's Cabin. Both arrangements were arranged by David Wise.

The Game Boy Color remake and Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country each contain distinct arrangements of the title screen theme.

Icon of an audio speaker. Theme - The arrangement heard in Donkey Kong Country
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Icon of an audio speaker. Theme - The arrangement heard in the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country
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Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest[edit]

In Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, an arrangement of "Theme" from Donkey Kong Country by the same composer, David Wise, titled "Steel Drum Rhumba (Option Screen)" in the game's official soundtrack and the Nintendo Music app, plays in the file select screen.

The Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 2, an arrangement of "Steel Drum Rhumba" plays in the file select screen, just like in the original game.

Icon of an audio speaker. Steel Drum Rhumba (Option Screen) - The arrangement heard in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
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Icon of an audio speaker. Steel Drum Rhumba - The arrangement heard in the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 2
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Donkey Kong Country 3 (Game Boy Advance)[edit]

In the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 3, a music box arrangement of "Theme" plays in the "Game Over" tune, replacing the ominous music box theme from the original SNES version.

Icon of an audio speaker. Game Over - The arrangement heard in the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 3
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Donkey Kong Country Returns[edit]

In Donkey Kong Country Returns, its Nintendo 3DS port, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, and its Nintendo Switch port, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, an arrangement of "Theme" from Donkey Kong Country, titled 「ドンキーコングリターンズ」 (Donkī Kongu Ritānzu, "Donkey Kong Returns") in the game's official soundtrack, plays in the title screen. This arrangement returns in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, titled "Donkey Kong Country Returns," where it can play in the Kongo Jungle 64 stage, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where it can play in any Super Smash Bros.-series and Donkey Kong-series stage.

Icon of an audio speaker. Donkey Kong Country Returns - The arrangement heard in Donkey Kong Country Returns
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Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze[edit]

In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and its Nintendo Switch port of the same name, an arrangement of "Title BGM" that combines elements of the Donkey Kong original and "Theme" from Donkey Kong Country plays in the opening cutscene.

Icon of an audio speaker. Opening - The arrangement heard in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
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Donkey Kong Land 2[edit]

In Donkey Kong Land 2, a chiptune arrangement of "Steel Drum Rhumba" from Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest arranged by Grant Kirkhope plays in the file select screen.

Icon of an audio speaker. Steel Drum Rhumba - The arrangement heard in Donkey Kong Land 2
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Mario Tennis series[edit]

Arrangements in the Mario Tennis series were arranged by Motoi Sakuraba.

Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64)[edit]

The Nintendo 64 version of Mario Tennis features two arrangements of "Title BGM."

A medley arrangement of "Title BGM," "Game Start," and "Round Start BGM" from Donkey Kong plays in Donkey Kong Court. It is titled 「ドンキーコングコート」 (Donkī Kongu Kōto, "Donkey Kong Court") in the game's official soundtrack.

A brief medley arrangement of "Title BGM" and "Game Start" plays during Donkey Kong's trophy celebration. It is titled 「トロフィー 授与 ドンキーコング」 (Torofī Juyo - Donkī Kongu, "Trophy Award - Donkey Kong") in the game's official soundtrack.

Icon of an audio speaker. ドンキーコングコート - The arrangement heard in the Nintendo 64 version of Mario Tennis
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Mario Tennis (Game Boy Color)[edit]

In the Game Boy Color version of Mario Tennis, a chiptune arrangement of the Donkey Kong Court theme from the Nintendo 64 version of Mario Tennis plays in the Banana Bunch minigame and on the Jungle Court.

Icon of an audio speaker. Jungle Court / Banana Bunch - The arrangement heard in the Game Boy Color version of Mario Tennis
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Mario Power Tennis[edit]

In Mario Power Tennis and its Wii port, New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis, a medley arrangement of "Title BGM" and "Game Start" from Donkey Kong plays during Donkey Kong's trophy celebration.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong series[edit]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong[edit]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong features two arrangements of "Title BGM" arranged by Lawrence Schwedler.

A mashup arrangement of "Title BGM" and "Ground BGM" from Super Mario Bros. plays in the title screen.

The second credits theme incorporates an arrangement of "Opening," initially on its own before then adding elements of "Ground BGM."

Both arrangements are in turn rearranged in remake for the Nintendo Switch.

Icon of an audio speaker. Title Theme - The arrangement heard in Mario vs. Donkey Kong
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Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis[edit]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis features two arrangement of "Title BGM" arranged by Lawrence Schwedler.

A swing jazz mashup arrangement of "Title BGM" and "Ground BGM" from Super Mario Bros. plays in the title screen.

An arrangement of the second credits theme from the first Mario vs. Donkey Kong, including the "Title BGM" portion, plays in the staff credits.

Icon of an audio speaker. Title Theme - The arrangement heard in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
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Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again![edit]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! features two arrangements of "Title BGM" arranged by Lawrence Schwedler.

A jazz arrangement of "Title BGM" and "Ground BGM" from Super Mario Bros. plays in the title screen. It is similar to the arrangement heard on the title screen of Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, though this version is slightly slower.

An arrangement of the second credits theme from the first Mario vs. Donkey Kong, including the "Title BGM" portion, plays in the staff credits.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem![edit]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! features two arrangements of "Title BGM" arranged by Lawrence Schwedler.

A marching band mashup arrangement of "Title BGM" and "Ground BGM" from Super Mario Bros. in the key of E♭ major plays in the title screen. The main melody is played on trumpet with flute, tuba, snare drum and cymbal accompaniment. It also includes a new extended melody not heard in previous Mario vs. Donkey Kong games.

An arrangement of "Title BGM" plays in the results screen after completing a level. It is in the key of G major and adds additional instrumentation every time it repeats. The first time is played only on brass instruments with the main melody played on the trumpet, the second repetition adds snare drum percussion, the third repetition removes the trumpet and adds concert flute trills, and the fourth and final repetition adds the trumpet playing the main melody back into the mix.

Icon of an audio speaker. Title Theme - The arrangement heard in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!
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Icon of an audio speaker. Results - The arrangement heard in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!
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Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars[edit]

In Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars, a mashup arrangement of "Title BGM" and "Ground BGM" from Super Mario Bros., arranged by James Phillipsen, plays in the title screen. The main melody is played on the violin rather than the trumpet. This arrangement returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, titled "Title Theme - Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars," where it can be played on any Super Smash Bros.-series and Super Mario-series stage.

Icon of an audio speaker. Title Theme - The arrangement heard in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars
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Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge[edit]

In Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge, a mashup arrangement of "Title BGM" and "Ground BGM" from Super Mario Bros. arranged by James Phillipsen plays in the title screen.

Donkey Konga 3[edit]

Donkey Kong
Artist Yukio Kaneoka
Game(s) Donkey Konga 3
Length 0:18
Difficulties ????????
????????
????????

In Donkey Konga 3, the original NES version of "Title BGM" appears as an extremely short playable song available in the Famicom Room.

Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix[edit]

Main article: Moustache, Barrel, and Gorilla

In Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix, a medley arrangement of "Title BGM" and several other themes and sound effects from Donkey Kong, titled "Moustache, Barrel, and Gorilla," is a playable song.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, an arrangement of "Title BGM," titled "Opening (Donkey Kong)" and arranged by Shota Kageyama, can play in the 75 m stage. The arrangement also includes arrangements of the "Game Start" jingle, "Round 1 BGM," and "Hammer BGM." This arrangement returns in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, where it can play in the same stage, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, now formatted as "Opening - Donkey Kong," where it can play in any Super Smash Bros.-series and Donkey Kong-series stage.

In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, an arrangement of "Donkey Kong Country Returns" from the game of the same name, titled "Donkey Kong Country Returns (Vocals)" and arranged by Kenji Yamamoto, can play in the Kongo Jungle 64 stage. This arrangement adds an electric guitar and vocals similar to those heard in Grassland Groove in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze to the instrumentation. This arrangement returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where it can play in any Super Smash Bros.-series and Donkey Kong-series stage.

Icon of an audio speaker. Opening (Donkey Kong) - The arrangement heard in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
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Icon of an audio speaker. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Vocals) - The arrangement heard in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
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WarioWare: D.I.Y.[edit]

“Donkey Kong rules. So does this!”
In-game description

In WarioWare: D.I.Y., one of 9-Volt's Records is a medley arrangement of "Round 1 BGM" and "Title BGM" from Donkey Kong and "Title BGM" from Donkey Kong Jr., simply titled "Donkey Kong."

Icon of an audio speaker. Donkey Kong - The arrangement heard in WarioWare: D.I.Y.
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Nintendo Land[edit]

The original version of "Title BGM" is reused in Nintendo Land for the setup screen of Donkey Kong's Crash Course.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle[edit]

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle features two arrangements of "Title BGM" in the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC.

An arrangement of "Title BGM" plays during battle preparations.

An arrangement of "Title BGM" is incorporated in the mid-boss battle theme.

Icon of an audio speaker. Midboss Melody - The arrangement heard in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
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The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)[edit]

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), arrangements of various versions of "Title BGM" from multiple Donkey Kong games are incorporated throughout the track "Drivin' Me Bananas," arranged by Brian Tyler. The track begins with an arrangement of the backing melody from "Donkey Kong Country Returns" from the game of the same name, an arrangement of the original melody of "Title BGM" can be heard about halfway through, and the track ends with an arrangement of the second part of "Theme" from Donkey Kong Country. This arrangement is not present in The Super Mario Bros. Movie itself, as "Take On Me" plays during the scene instead.

Tetris 99[edit]

Donkey Kong Country Returns' arrangement of "Title BGM" appears in Tetris 99's Donkey Kong Country Returns HD theme as the music for when there are between 50 and 11 players.

Donkey Kong Bananza[edit]

Main article: Breaking Through (Heart of Gold)

In Donkey Kong Bananza, a lullaby arrangement of the first two bars of "Title BGM" plays when Donkey Kong and Pauline are sleeping on a bed.[2] Moreover, a reharmonized arrangement of "Title BGM", with the melody sung by Pauline, is included as the bridge in the song "Breaking Through (Heart of Gold)."[3]

Gallery[edit]

List of Super Mario appearances[edit]

Games[edit]

Work System Year Type Title Credits
Donkey Kong Nintendo Entertainment System 1983 Original "Title BGM"[1] Yukio Kaneoka
Donkey Kong Atari 7800 1988 Arrangement "Title BGM"[1]
Donkey Kong Country Super Nintendo Entertainment System 1994 Arrangement "Theme"[4] David Wise
"Cranky's Theme"[4]
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Super Nintendo Entertainment System 1995 Arrangement "Steel Drum Rhumba (Option Screen)"[5] David Wise
Donkey Kong Land 2 Game Boy 1996 Arrangement Grant Kirkhope
Mario Tennis Nintendo 64 2000 Arrangement 「ドンキーコングコート」 (Donkī Kongu Kōto)[6] Motoi Sakuraba
「トロフィー 授与 ドンキーコング」 (Torofī Juyo - Donkī Kongu)[6]
Mario Tennis Game Boy Color 2000 Arrangement Motoi Sakuraba
Donkey Kong Country Game Boy Color 2000 Arrangement
Donkey Kong-e Game Boy Advance e-Reader 2002 Original "Title BGM"[1] Yukio Kaneoka
Donkey Kong Country Game Boy Advance 2003 Arrangement
Classic NES Series: Donkey Kong Game Boy Advance 2004 Original "Title BGM"[1] Yukio Kaneoka
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Game Boy Advance 2004 Arrangement Lawrence Schwedler
Donkey Kong Country 2 Game Boy Advance 2004 Arrangement "Steel Drum Rhumba"[7]
Mario Power Tennis Nintendo GameCube 2004 Arrangement Motoi Sakuraba
Donkey Konga 3 JP Nintendo GameCube 2005 Original "Donkey Kong" Yukio Kaneoka
Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix Nintendo GameCube 2005 Arrangement "Moustache, Barrel, and Gorilla"
Donkey Kong Country 3 Game Boy Advance 2005 Arrangement "Game Over"[8]
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Nintendo DS 2006 Arrangement Lawrence Schwedler
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Wii 2008 Arrangement "Opening (Donkey Kong)"[9] Shota Kageyama
New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis Wii 2009 Past arrangement (Mario Power Tennis) Motoi Sakuraba
WarioWare: D.I.Y. Nintendo DS 2009 Arrangement "Donkey Kong"
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! Nintendo DSi 2009 Arrangement Lawrence Schwedler
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! Nintendo DS 2010 Arrangement Lawrence Schwedler
Donkey Kong Country Returns Wii 2010 Arrangement 「ドンキーコングリターンズ」 (Donkī Kongu Ritānzu)[10]
Nintendo Land Wii U 2012 Original Yukio Kaneoka
Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D Nintendo 3DS 2013 Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country Returns) 「ドンキーコングリターンズ」 (Donkī Kongu Ritānzu)[10]
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Wii U 2014 Arrangement
Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country) David Wise
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Wii U 2014 Arrangement "Donkey Kong Country Returns (Vocals)"[11] Kenji Yamamoto
Past arrangement (Super Smash Bros. Brawl) "Opening (Donkey Kong)"[11] Shota Kageyama
Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country Returns) "Donkey Kong Country Returns"[11]
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars Wii U, Nintendo 3DS 2015 Arrangement James Phillipsen
Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge Wii U, Nintendo 3DS 2016 Arrangement James Phillipsen
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Nintendo Switch 2018 Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U))
Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country) David Wise
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Nintendo Switch 2018[g 1] Arrangement Grant Kirkhope
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch 2018 Past arrangement (Super Smash Bros. Brawl) "Opening - Donkey Kong"[12] Shota Kageyama
Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country Returns) "Donkey Kong Country Returns"[12]
Past arrangement (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U) "Donkey Kong Country Returns (Vocals)"[12] Kenji Yamamoto
Past arrangement (Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars) "Title Theme - Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars"[12] James Phillipsen
Mario vs. Donkey Kong Nintendo Switch 2024 Arrangement
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Nintendo Switch 2025 Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country Returns) 「ドンキーコングリターンズ」 (Donkī Kongu Ritānzu)[10]
Tetris 99 Nintendo Switch 2025[g 2] Past arrangements (Donkey Kong Country Returns)
Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Switch 2 2025 Arrangement
  1. ^ Added in the Donkey Kong Adventure DLC on June 26, 2018
  2. ^ Added in the 45th Maximus Cup on February 13, 2025

Albums[edit]

Work Year Type Title Credits
DK Jamz 1994 Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country) "Theme" David Wise
The Original Donkey Kong Country 2 Soundtrack 1995 Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest) "Steel Drum Rhumba" David Wise
Donkey Kong Country Trilogy 1996 Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country) "Theme" David Wise
Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest) "Steel Drum Rhumba"
Game Sound Museum: Donkey Kong 2004 Original 「タイトルBGM」 (Taitoru BGM) Yukio Kaneoka
Donkey Kong Returns Original Sound Track 2011 Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country Returns) 「ドンキーコングリターンズ」 (Donkī Kongu Ritānzu)
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 2023 Arrangement "Drivin' Me Bananas" Brian Tyler

Other media[edit]

Work Year Type Title Credits
Nintendo Music 2024 Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country) "Theme" David Wise
2024[g 1] Past arrangement (Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest) "Steel Drum Rhumba (Option Screen)" David Wise
2025[g 2] Original "Title BGM" Yukio Kaneoka
  1. ^ Added on November 4, 2024
  2. ^ Added on July 21, 2025

Names in other languages[edit]

Title BGM
Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese タイトルBGM[1]
Taitoru BGM
Title BGM
Theme
Language Name Meaning Notes
French DK Theme[13] -
German DK-Thema[14] DK Theme
Italian Tema DK[15] DK Theme
Spanish Tema de DK[16] DK's Theme
Game Over
Language Name Meaning Notes
French Game Over[17] -
German Game Over[18] -
Italian Game Over[19] -
Spanish Fin del juego[20] End of the game

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Nintendo Music
  2. ^ Press Start Australia (July 1, 2025). NEW Donkey Kong Bananza 4K/60 FPS Gameplay Footage (No Commentary). YouTube. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
  3. ^ Nintendo of America (June 18, 2025). Donkey Kong Bananza Direct 6.18.2025. YouTube. Retrieved June 23, 2025.
  4. ^ a b DK Jamz
  5. ^ The Original Donkey Kong Country 2 Soundtrack
  6. ^ a b Mario Tennis 64 Original Soundtrack
  7. ^ Donkey Kong Country 2 (Game Boy Advance) Music Player
  8. ^ Donkey Kong Country 3 (Game Boy Advance) Music Player
  9. ^ Super Smash Bros. Brawl Sound Test
  10. ^ a b c Donkey Kong Returns Original Sound Track
  11. ^ a b c Super Smash Bros. Wii U Sound Test
  12. ^ a b c d Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Sound Test
  13. ^ Sound Player (2003). Donkey Kong Country. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (French).
  14. ^ Song-Player (2003). Donkey Kong Country. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German).
  15. ^ Juke Box (2003). Donkey Kong Country. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (Italian).
  16. ^ Juke Box (2003). Donkey Kong Country. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (Spanish).
  17. ^ Musiques (2005). Donkey Kong Country 3. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (French).
  18. ^ Musik-Maschine (2005). Donkey Kong Country 3. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German).
  19. ^ Jukebox (2005). Donkey Kong Country 3. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (Italian).
  20. ^ Reproductor (2005). Donkey Kong Country 3. Nintendo of Europe GmbH (Spanish).