Cranky Kong

"You young apes wouldn't know a real adventure if it jumped up and bit you on the nose!"

- Cranky Kong

Cranky Kong is one of the central characters in the Donkey Kong franchise. He is depicted as a paternal figure to Donkey Kong, though their exact relation varies. He is characterized by frequently breaking the fourth wall and constantly complaining and rambling (especially in Rare-made games), although he proves to be a helpful sage in many situations, having been shown to possess much knowledge about the current location and its history and secrets.

He is currently a widower, as his wife Wrinkly Kong is deceased (starting in Donkey Kong 64). He is usually portrayed as the elderly form of the original Donkey Kong from the Donkey Kong arcade game, and can be described as argumentative and bad-tempered, but with a heart of gold underneath his grumpy exterior. Cranky is usually a non-playable character, but he has made playable appearances in some games. His abilities and physical health vary greatly between games, from being unable to walk without two canes to being just as athletic as the other Kongs.

Background
According to various pieces of official media, starting with Donkey Kong Country, Cranky Kong is the original Donkey Kong from the arcade games appearing in Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr. and Donkey Kong 3. During his youthful prime, Cranky Kong kidnapped Pauline and took her to a construction site, was kidnapped and trapped in a cage by Mario, and even battled Stanley in various greenhouses. He also implies in one of his lectures to his grandson that his kidnapping Pauline was consistent enough that he did so "seven days a week." Not counting the "Modern" mixes in the Game & Watch Gallery series or a cameo in Mario Clash, his final role as Donkey Kong was in Donkey Kong for Game Boy. He retired after he relinquished the name to his grandson.

Donkey Kong Country
Cranky's first appearance as "Cranky Kong" was in Donkey Kong Country, in which he lives in a slightly rundown shack known as "Cranky's Cabin". From here, Cranky gives randomly selected advice on the game's various items and locations, mostly pertaining to the first few levels, to the new Donkey Kong and his friend Diddy Kong. Unlike in the sequels, Cranky asks no fee for his bits of advice and can be consulted as many times as the player desires.

He also appears in the opening cutscene before the title screen of the original SNES version, where he operates a phonograph, playing the theme song from the NES version of Donkey Kong atop a construction site. Donkey Kong disrupts his session by knocking him aside and dancing to a remixed version of the song Cranky was playing on the phonograph, which plays on a boombox he drops nearby, then the scene turns to a jungle. Cranky, irritated by this interruption, hurls a TNT barrel at Donkey Kong's boombox, destroying it.

In the game's manual, Cranky provides various commentary to try and discourage potential players from the game, such as claiming that the characters and items listed do not exist. Despite this, the back of the manual has a section titled "Cranky's Advice" where he gives some basic tips on the game.

In the Game Boy Advance version, Cranky appears after each boss battle to provide commentary. He makes similar appearances in the GBA versions of Donkey Kong Country 2 and Donkey Kong Country 3.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
In Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Cranky sets up his "Monkey Museum" on Crocodile Isle. It appears as though, through his further aging, it has become more difficult to walk, as he stands with two canes. Once again, Cranky will give out information, this time for a price. In this game, Cranky also scatters several Video Game Hero Coins throughout the game's various levels. Once Kaptain K. Rool is defeated Cranky will tally Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong's "hero status" by how many Video Game Hero Coins they have collected. Donkey Kong Country 2 also introduced Cranky's wife, Wrinkly Kong.

In the Game Boy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country 2, Cranky's role remains relatively the same as in the original game, although it was slightly expanded with a new sidequest. Cranky bought a racing ostrich he named Expresso, which the Kongs can bulk up using golden feathers and race against other ostriches to try and achieve trophies in exchange for rewards from Cranky.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
In Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, Cranky's appearances have been reduced. In Swanky's Sideshow, Cranky Kong acts as Dixie and Kiddy Kong's opponent in various ball throwing minigames. Cranky also appears at the end of the game to criticize Dixie and Kiddy's victory over KAOS and Baron K. Roolenstein, resulting in Dixie and Kiddy Kong approaching him ominously while he tries to avoid an inevitable beating by putting on glasses. At the end of the post-game cutscene, Cranky will appear in the background doing a few water-skiing tricks behind Funky Kong, who pulls him with a motorboat. He eventually falls in water, but comes back to the surface holding up a sign which says "THE END" in runny ink. He is also top of the All-Time Greats list at the end of the game, having beat the game in 04:22 with 103%. If the player beats the game with the TUFST code activated, thereby attaining 105%, they will get a trophy of Cranky Kong in a black belt's outfit and will be named "Immortal Monkey!"

In addition, a picture of Cranky Kong over a white background hangs from a wall in Wrinkly's Save Cave. The same picture can be seen in the same spot within Wrinkly Refuge in Donkey Kong Land III, which is the only visual appearance of Cranky Kong in the entire Donkey Kong Land series.

In the Game Boy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country 3, Cranky runs several dojos, aptly named Cranky's Dojo to prepare for his self-purported "first" game, Cranky Kong Country. In Cranky's Dojo, players gain the ability to play as a shield-wielding Cranky during a Bristles dodging minigame. Cranky's Dojo minigame must be beaten at least once to gain a Banana Bird.

Donkey Kong 64
Cranky Kong appears as Professor Cranky Kong in Donkey Kong 64, having taken up science. Cranky's Lab can be found in every area of Donkey Kong 64 except Hideout Helm. At Cranky's Lab, the Kongs can pay Professor Cranky for several potions that can give them new powers and abilities. Also, if the Kongs manage to collect fifteen Banana Medals, he will allow them to play Jetpac, the first published computer game of (Rare's direct predecessor). The Kongs must beat the Jetpac game in order to obtain the Rareware Coin. Cranky also acts as the Kongs' coach during their boxing match against King Krusha K. Rool.

Donkey Kong Country Returns
Cranky appears in Donkey Kong Country Returns and Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. In the game, he runs a shop in each world and will often make sarcastic remarks over what Donkey and Diddy Kong buy. Aside from Donkey and Diddy, Cranky is the only Kong from the original trilogy to make a return appearance. According to him, the reason he made the shop was because his pension was revoked, so he has to sell items to make money.

To buy items in Cranky Kong's shop, the player needs to have Banana Coins. In his shop, there are Extra Life Balloons bundled into groups of 1, 3, and 7 balloons. There is also a Heart Boost, which gives Donkey or Diddy the ability to have three hearts for the duration of one level, Banana Juice, which gives limited invincibility, and Squawks the Parrot, who helps the Kongs collect undiscovered Puzzle Pieces in levels. There is also a key for sale, which gives access to the locked path in each world.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Cranky Kong appears as a playable partner character in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and its Nintendo Switch port of the same name, marking the first time he is fully playable in a Donkey Kong Country game (his role as shopkeeper filled by Funky Kong). Cranky is able to use his cane to bounce upward, as well as on spikes, and defeat certain enemies that the other Kongs cannot. His cane can also be utilized while underwater, using a move called the Cane Swipe to attack and take down enemies that cannot be defeated by a simple corkscrew move, such as Pufftups and Sea Urchins. Despite the cane's capabilities, it cannot be used to collapse unsound underwater structures, balancing it in relation to the corkscrew action. Cranky's Denture Popgun has unlimited ammo of dentures, which can be shot at enemies in order to stun them for a brief period of time. Cranky's use of his cane as a pogo stick to attack enemies is similar to the method of attack used by, the main protagonist of Disney's , in a of his show that Capcom produced for the NES and Game Boy.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the only game in the series where Cranky does not have any written dialogue.

"Donkey Kong Country"
He also appeared in the Club Nintendo comic "Donkey Kong Country". He is the first one to discover that King K. Rool has stolen the Kongs' banana hoard, which follows the story of the game. Cranky's appearance in the comic differs slightly from his standard look, as he is wearing a blue shirt instead of a gray or brown one.

"Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24"
In the comic "Donkey Kong in: Banana Day 24", published in the same magazine, he supported Donkey, Diddy, Dixie and Kiddy on their mission to save the Earth from being pulled away from the sun by a giant UFO. It was his idea to carry on negotiations with the aliens so they would release the Earth. The President of the United States puts a space shuttle at the Kongs' disposal, and Cranky is the one to navigate it. He beams Donkey, Diddy and Dixie into the UFO and stays in the Kongs' space shuttle meanwhile. When their mission succeeds, he navigates the space shuttle back to Earth, where the Kongs are being hailed by the people. Euphorically, Cranky tries to kiss a random girl, much to her disgust. After returning to their jungle, Cranky gets in trouble with his wife Wrinkly because of this. During the events of this story, Cranky did not show much of his grouchy traits as often discovered in the games, but instead appears as a helpful person.

Donkey Kong Jungle Action Special
Cranky is featured in the Donkey Kong Jungle Action Special comic "The Big Banana Robbery". At the beginning of the comic, Crankey yells at sleeping Donkey Kong and invites him to check the empty Banana Hoard. As Donkey Kong heads off to find the missing bananas and rescue the missing Diddy Kong, Cranky stays behind, saying he "can't be bothered" to help.

Cranky later stars in the comic "A Blast From The Past". While uncloging a pipe at his treehouse, Cranky is disrupted by a human reporter, who introduces himself by asking Cranky if he remembers anything about Pauline. Recalling it as "a long time ago", Cranky proceeds to tell the tale of when he last saw her.

In a flashback, a younger Cranky Kong is climbing a construction site, telling Pauline it's "something I saw in a movie once". The commotion attracts a nearby electrician, who tries to rescue Pauline. Donkey Kong throws a barrel at the individual, but he manages to get to the top of the construction site. Donkey Kong hits him with another barrel, but the electrician gets back up yet another time and taunts Donkey Kong, who retaliates by throwing ton of barrels at him and seemingly knocking the man out of sight.

Donkey Kong is concerned, saying he didn't want to harm the man. The electrician pops out of the barrel Donkey is holding, scaring him. A furious Pauline kicks Donkey Kong, adominishing him for his antics and promising to get even.

Finishing his tale, Cranky said the event made him get out of the city. The reporter goads him into telling more by showing Pauline got movie and book deals out of her side of the story, whose unflatering depictions of Cranky make him furious. Cranky claims to have the ugly truth about Pauline, starting his new tales with the words "The first time I carried her to the top of a building..." before the story ends.

Donkey Kong Land series
While Cranky does not physically appear in any of the Donkey Kong Land games, the instruction booklet for the first Donkey Kong Land explains that the game happens owing to Cranky. Jealous of Donkey and Diddy's victory over King K. Rool, Cranky attracts them into a bet, stating that if they can reclaim Donkey's banana hoard from King K. Rool once again, this time on an 8-bit system, he will admit that they are adequate gaming heroes. In the end, Cranky retracts his doubts when Donkey and Diddy once again defeat K. Rool and the Kremling Krew.

Additionally, the instruction booklet for Donkey Kong Land 2 accidentally states that "Even old Cranky charges for his words of wisdom", having copied and pasted the line directly from the Donkey Kong Country 2 manual.

Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle
Cranky Kong appears in the 1995 novel Donkey Kong Country: Rumble in the Jungle, accompanying Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong across the island to reach Big Ape City. At the beginning of the novel Cranky Kong expresses his disapproval about Diddy Kong flying in Funky Kong's barrel plane, complaining that "if apes were meant to fly, they'd have wings", and "there's nowhere any self-respecting ape would want to go that he can't get to on his own two hairy feet". After Funky Kong leaves in his plane, the Kongs find that he has accidentally left his walkie talkie with Donkey Kong. Trying to contact him, the Kongs hear that his plane is being attacked by "flying pigs" near Big Ape City, and that he's going to crash.

Donkey Kong and Diddy immediately decide to travel to the city on foot. Cranky Kong doubts that they are capable, although he wishes to join them so that they don't have to "go off on another adventure alone". After reaching Tree Top Town on the edge of the jungle, Cranky Kong trips over a vine after insisting to take the lead, which triggers an alarm that alerts the Kremlings. Attacking alongside Donkey Kong and Diddy, Cranky uses his cane to slam several Kremlings on their feet, which sent them "hobbling into the bushes". An illustration also shows him swinging on a vine.

After the Kongs are guided through a mountain's caves by Squawks, they reach the skyline of Big Ape City. Cranky says to Donkey Kong that "I haven't been here since I was your age[...] I remember battling a short plumber named Mario", which suggests that Big Ape City is the location of the original Donkey Kong arcade game. They find that the city has been overrun by Kremlings, who are building a large factory. Cranky Kong notably complains several times, being reluctant to continue while they are trying to locate Funky Kong's prison cell. In an illustration, Cranky Kong is even shown to be unimpressed when Donkey Kong uses a TNT Barrel to open the prison door lock.

While battling some Kremlings who had heard the loud explosion, Kritter tries to take Cranky Kong hostage. He shouts "stop your assault or the old ape gets it!" Cranky Kong instead elbows Kritter in the stomach, and says "I was stomping on the likes of you when you were knee-high to a salamander!". After Funky's plane is found in the factory's cargo room, Donkey Kong and Diddy both leave to retrieve a part to repair the plane, and to turn off the factory's defense system. Cranky Kong is left to keep Funky Kong company while he repairs the plane, and Cranky tells "story after story" about his youth. After the plane is repaired, the Kongs all board (although Cranky Kong is reluctant as he "hates" flying), and they escape through a hole in the factory wall created by a TNT Barrel. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong manage to plant King K. Rool's zeppelin with TNT Barrels, which falls and destroys the Kremling's factory. Cranky Kong shares a laugh with the other Kongs as they fly back home to their treehouse.

Donkey Kong Country television series
Cranky was also a main character on the Donkey Kong Country television series produced by Nelvana and Nintendo, where he was voiced by Aron Tager. Here, Cranky was as grouchy and bitter as he was in the games, while also being far less arrogant and not breaking the fourth wall nearly as often. The white hair he has in the games is replaced by large white eyebrows, though he still has his beard. In addition, his sweater-vest is now a bluish-gray, and he sometimes appears without his cane, unlike in the games.

On the show, instead of living in a cabin on the ground like in the games, Cranky instead lives in a cabin on a tree-top village, similar to ones seen in the area Vine Valley from the Donkey Kong Country game, which doubles as a shelter for the Crystal Coconut. On the show, Cranky was also shown to be adept at potion-making and magic, a trait later carried over into the games. In one episode, it is revealed that he was once best friends with King K. Rool until the crocodile cheated during a bet, which turned their friendship into a bitter rivalry.

Picross NP Vol. 8
Cranky makes a cameo appearance in Picross NP Vol. 8 as one of the images that must be cleared.

Super Smash Bros. series
Throughout the Super Smash Bros. series, Cranky Kong makes a cameo appearance in the background of Jungle Japes, where his silhouette can be seen pacing back and forth in his cabin near that of his rocking chair. The stage is accessible in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He also frequently appears as an obtainable trophy, where he is often described as being a wise and helpful figure.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Cranky Kong appears as a sticker, which uses his artwork from Donkey Konga 3. It is usable by any character and boosts the power of indirect special moves by 7.

Cranky's trophy from this game states that his first playable appearance is in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast. However, this is not true, as he had been playable in the earlier Japan-only release ''Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku and in the Cranky's Dojo minigame in the GBA version of Donkey Kong Country 3''.

Cranky Kong is also alluded to in Solid Snake's Codec call about Donkey Kong, where Colonel Roy Campbell mentioned that the Donkey Kong who fought Mario in an "epic battle" (referring to the arcade release of Donkey Kong) was the current one's grandfather, with Snake also calling the current one "a chip off the old block" upon learning that the current one also was a rival of Mario, to certain extent.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Cranky Kong appears as a primary, ace, attack-type spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, using his artwork from Donkey Kong Country Returns. In his spirit battle, the player fights a white-furred Donkey Kong on the Kongo Jungle stage in its Omega form with a Slumber Floor effect. The music during the fight is "Opening - Donkey Kong", referencing the fact that he was the Donkey Kong appearing in the original arcade game, and the opening to the original Donkey Kong Country where he is associated with the theme.

Donkey Konga series
Cranky also appears in the Donkey Konga series, though he is only playable in the series' third installment, Donkey Konga 3: Tabehōdai! Haru Mogitate 50 Kyoku. As Diddy Kong Pilot never saw a release, this is the first game where Cranky Kong is a playable character.

DK: King of Swing
In DK: King of Swing Cranky Kong, along with the ghost of his wife Wrinkly, teaches Donkey Kong how to use the games unique controls in Cranky's Lectures. Cranky, along with Candy Kong, are the only Kongs who are not playable in DK: King of Swing's Jungle Jam mode.

DK: Jungle Climber
Cranky once again appears in DK: Jungle Climber. He teaches DK and Diddy how to play the game, and also appears in various levels to instruct them on new moves, power-ups, and collectibles. Cranky has a very active involvement in this game, as he follows DK, Diddy and Xananab throughout the various islands. He also makes announcements to tell the characters what they can do with the various Banana Coins, DK Coins, and oil barrels they collect throughout the levels, as well as tracking their game completion. Cranky's namesake personality is substantially diminished, having a more good-natured, wise, and altruistic persona.

Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
Cranky appears in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast as a playable character, unlocked by completing Challenge 24 of Candy's Challenges. All three of his stats are rated four stars out of a possible five. His rival is King K. Rool, who has the same stats as him. His stats essentially mean that he has high stats all around. He also has his own race course, Cranky's Temple.

Cranky Kong also hosts Cranky's Flight School, a mode that serves as a tutorial to the game.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
While Cranky Kong himself does not appear in Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, a Rabbid in his likeness known as Rabbid Cranky appears in the Donkey Kong Adventure add-on.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie
"All right, tough guy. You want my army so badly? Defeat my son in the Great Ring of Kong!"

- Cranky Kong

Cranky Kong appears in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, voiced by Fred Armisen in the English version. He is the ruler of the Jungle Kingdom, and commander of his own army, the Great Kong Army. In this depiction, Cranky Kong is adorned with an Inca-styled crown and outfit, and unlike his game depiction, does not have wrinkles on his mouth. He is also depicted as being Donkey Kong's father, and his personality is altered somewhat from his behavior in the games.

Threatened by Bowser's impending attack on the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario, Princess Peach and Toad arrive at Cranky Kong's throne to ask for his Great Kong Army to assist in their battle. Cranky Kong turns down the offer, as Peach pleads that the Jungle Kingdom would be next to fall if the Mushroom Kingdom was to be taken over. Mario insists despite Cranky Kong ridiculing him, and finally concedes and promises to aid them in their battle only if Mario successfully defeats his best warrior and son, Donkey Kong.

At the Great Ring of Kong, Cranky watches the battle from a gold throne alongside Peach and Toad. He is shown to be annoyed at Donkey Kong's antics and show-off personality, at one point telling him to stop flexing his pec muscles. Despite that, he cheers his son on through his continued hits on Mario, but is surprised and upset when Mario defeats Donkey Kong using the cat power-up. A defeated Cranky Kong agrees to lend his army to Princess Peach. He is shown in the following scene breaking up a second fight between Mario and Donkey Kong before it begins.

The Great Kong Army, with Cranky Kong leading, take on Rainbow Road in karts headed to Bowser's Castle. Bowser receives prior knowledge of this attempted raid from his Koopa General, prompting Bowser to send out an ambush squad of Koopa Troopas on karts. The Koopas overtake the main characters, with the Koopa General, apparently killing Mario and Donkey Kong, devastating Cranky Kong. He is then captured and trapped alongside the Kongs in Bowser's Castle, trapped in a cage suspended over lava. In a conversation between Donkey Kong and Mario shortly after this scene, Donkey Kong reveals his strained relationship with Cranky where he feels like he can never make his father proud, and feels like he constantly lets him down. Towards the film's end, Cranky Kong is rescued from the cage by Donkey Kong and Cranky warmly tells him he has earned the right to show off his pecs, though Donkey Kong declines and promises to do it "definitely later".

Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers
Cranky Kong was set to appear in Donkey Kong Coconut Crackers, where he had a set of challenges the player could partake in.

Diddy Kong Pilot
Cranky is one of the playable characters in the 2001 version of Diddy Kong Pilot.

In the 2003 build of Diddy Kong Pilot, Cranky talks to Team Kong and Team Kremling both before and after they start a cup or a new mode. Cranky encourages the former team to win races but criticizes the latter. Cranky is one of the unlockable characters, and he can be obtained after Team Kremling completes every cup and dogfight. The character select screen for Team Cranky erroneously shows four different portraits for Cranky. He has the highest speed and acceleration of the other characters, and is a lightweight character. Cranky was replaced with Mumbo Jumbo in the final build of this iteration, Banjo-Pilot.

Development
The pitch that would lead to Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong and the Golden Bananas, featured a character named Grandpa Kong, who was a white-furred bearded gorilla who looked very similar to Donkey Kong himself. Due to Donkey Kong Jr.'s presence in the pitch, it seems that the idea of him being the original arcade Donkey Kong had not yet been written. Throughout Donkey Kong Country's development, the character would eventually be retooled to his current appearance, but unused dialogue found in the game's data suggests Cranky was initially written as a more kindly and friendly individual. Cranky Kong's dialogue in the final game and instruction manual was primarily written by Gregg Mayles, with some lines contributed by Tim Stamper.

Physical appearance
"My muscles, my strength, my face! I'm not a stud muffin anymore!"

- Cranky Kong

Compared to his appearances in the original Donkey Kong and its two sequels (where he greatly resembled the current Donkey Kong), Cranky Kong appears to have become thinner, more diminutive, and much less muscular over the years, with his fur also becoming slightly darker. He bears facial proportions much like those of his grandson, though his head is smooth on top, his lips are more wrinkled, and he wears thick glasses with black frames. He has also grown a thick, white beard which obscures most of his torso, due to the fact that he always stands with a heavy slouch. Beneath his beard, Cranky Kong wears a taupe sweater-vest (green in Donkey Kong Country 2 and 3) as his only garment. Finally, Cranky always carries an ordinary-looking wooden cane with him (though he held two in Donkey Kong Country 2 and 3). His trademark pose involves him standing on both feet with a heavy slouch, his cane in one hand, and the other arm resting on his back. In addition, his gameplay in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze suggests that he might wear dentures.

Personality
Cranky is generally depicted as curmudgeonly and bitter, always making sarcastic remarks about various things, pointing out flaws in the other Kongs (particularly Donkey Kong) or even the very games he appears in, and complaining about everything he doesn't like. He is also rather cocky, claiming himself to be among the best video game icons ever, and that he is and always will be better than his grandson despite his old and frail state. His arrogance is countered by his poor sportsmanship however. Aside from this, Cranky Kong is also known to display traits of stereotypical elders, such as constantly demanding sleep. Cranky can be benevolent and heroic when the situation calls for it, such as how he helped his grandson and their friends take back Donkey Kong Island in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Cranky sometimes asks Donkey Kong for help, or allows him take over in situations. Despite his cantankerous manners, Cranky has praised his fellow Kongs on exceptional occasions (more frequently in DK: Jungle Climber, where he is shown less crabby), such as telling Donkey Kong that "he's nearly as good as I used to be" if 101% Completion is achieved in the original Donkey Kong Country, or saying of Diddy that "You're as big of a hero as they come." if all Video Game Hero Coins are recovered in Donkey Kong Country 2.

Identity confusion
Rareware created the Cranky Kong character as an older version of the original Donkey Kong from the earlier Donkey Kong games, but his exact relation to the current Donkey Kong has been disputed. Before the release of Donkey Kong Country, footage from a promotional VHS video exclusively for Nintendo Power subscribers named Donkey Kong Country: Exposed called Cranky Kong his "dad or grandfather", and Cranky Kong refers to Donkey Kong as "Junior" in the review of Donkey Kong Country by the Nintendo Magazine System. Upon release, Cranky Kong being Donkey Kong's grandfather was the consistent backstory throughout the SNES series. While their relation was not explicitly stated in the television series, Cranky acted as a father figure to Donkey Kong and once said that he considered him like a son. Rare seemingly started to retcon their relationship in Donkey Kong 64, in which Cranky Kong consistently addresses Donkey Kong as "son", implying a more direct parental role. Leigh Loveday stated in a 1999 online Q&A that the current Donkey Kong was intended to be Cranky Kong's son and thus an adult Donkey Kong Jr. as far as he was aware, and requested fans to completely ignore instances claiming Cranky to be his grandfather. Whether or not this statement was intended to be taken seriously, the Nintendo of Europe website for the Game Boy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country supported this notion. According to Gregg Mayles in 2017, Cranky Kong is Donkey Kong's grandfather and called him "son" during the events of Donkey Kong 64 because he was so senile by then that he could not remember their actual relationship.

After Rare left Nintendo, the issue was left open for some time. Official bios for both Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee imply that the Donkey Kong from the arcade games is the same as the current Donkey Kong, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong describes Donkey Kong as Mario's "original foe". However, this is contradicted by Mario Superstar Baseball, which distinguishes "his ancestor, the original Donkey Kong". Subsequently, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis implies that Donkey Kong had never seen Pauline beforehand, suggesting him to be distinct from the original Donkey Kong. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (and, consequently, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) sticks with the story that the original Donkey Kong is the current Donkey Kong's grandfather. Donkey Kong Country Returns reaffirms the portrayal of Cranky Kong as the grandfather of the modern Donkey Kong. This would be contradicted again in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, in which Donkey Kong is referred to as Cranky Kong's son and, according to the Japanese website, successor.

The 2017 book Playing With Super Power: Nintendo Super NES Classics by Prima Games contains two contradictory notes. In one section, it is explained that Donkey Kong Jr. is a separate character from both Cranky Kong and Donkey Kong and is actually the father of the current Donkey Kong and the son of Cranky Kong (who is further explained to be the original Donkey Kong, "Donkey Kong Sr."). Another section, however, notes that the current Donkey Kong is in fact a grown-up Donkey Kong Jr. The Prima Games Twitter account clarified and elaborated upon the apparent contradiction, stating that the latter is meant to be taken as a metaphor for the original design process, whereas the former is the official interpretation of the characters' familial ties. This is the only published piece of media that has directly stated that Donkey Kong Jr. is the father of the current Donkey Kong.

Donkey Kong Country

 * Instruction booklet (page 27): "Donkey Kong's grouchy pappy is actually the original Donkey Kong who starred in the many Donkey Kong arcade classics of the eighties. He considers those games the pinnacle of game design, and will have nothing to do with the newfangled graphics, sound and multiple-button controllers of today's Nintendo mega-hits. Donkey Kong will encounter Cranky throughout his adventure at his many cabins scattered across Donkey Kong Country. Cranky will usually be grateful for the chance to converse, specifically to get on Donkey's case about the state of games today. Although most of Cranky's conversations are hot air, he will occasionally drop a hint or two about the game, as he is anxious to pass on his game prowess to the younger generation of game fans. His problem is, he only has a three frame walk, so he can't participate in the action! Cranky can chew your ear off if you give him a chance, so once you get tired of him, just take off."
 * Player's Guide (page 8): "The star of the original Donkey Kong games, Cranky Kong, gives out tidbits of advice to DK and Diddy as they progress through the stages. He’s wise, but he’s really bitter about all the new fangled technology that’s being used in video games these days. Generally, though, you should take notice of what he tells you."

Donkey Kong Jungle Action Special

 * Page 16: "Donkey Kong’s grouchy grandpappy is actually the original Donkey Kong. Cranky is best remembered for the time he grabbed a girl called Pauline and carried her to the top of a tall building. It was here he had his first famous meeting with Mario. Unfortunately what Cranky has to say about the heroic Italian plumber is unprintable! However, their exploits were turned into a best-selling video game which took the whole world by storm. Since then he has ’retired’ (some say ’banished’) to Donkey Kong Island where despairs at his grandson’s attempts to be a hero. Cranky never tires of telling DK about the good old days and all the adventures he had when he had when he was young. Donkey Kong thinks that deep down Cranky is really proud of him and wants to see him do well in the hero business. Big mistake!"

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!

 * Instruction booklet (page 16): "Your opponent in the throwing game, Cranky has the chance to prove he’s No. 1."
 * Player's Guide (page 9): "Cranky, the star of the original arcade Donkey Kong game, is spending all his time and money at Swanky's Tent. He'll do anything to show up cheeky apes who dare to monkey around in the tent."

Rarewhere: DKC Trilogy Cast List
"APPEARS IN: DKC 1, 2, 3

''It's been long, long years since his heyday as a video game legend, but Cranky's not about to let anyone forget those times for a second. If there's one issue that clouds his judgement more than any other, it's the state of games today compared to what he considers the all-time classics of his own UDG-ridden single-screen era. He's forever ranting on at DK, Diddy and Dixie about how they'd better buck up their ideas if they want to achieve even a fraction of his own fame, but by now the entire family (including his long-suffering wife Wrinkly) have become more or less immune to it...''"

Donkey Kong 64

 * Instruction booklet bio from Professor Cranky Kong (page 9): "Yep, you read it right, sonny! It’s Professor Cranky now, and you’d better show your elders some respect, as I’m your only hope in defeating those rancid reptiles. My powerful potions will give you abilities you’ve never dreamed of and certainly don’t deserve, assuming of course you can afford my modest asking fee. Now don’t you go asking me for a potion of gameplay, as even my genius can’t rescue this game from its rightful destiny in the bargain bin."
 * Player's Guide (page 6): "If you looked up the word “curmudgeon” in the dictionary, it would show a picture of Cranky Kong. The old geezer is just as rude and abusive as ever. He’s willing to help his five Kong relations with special potions that give them the moves they’ll need to complete the game, but he will do so only if he can make a profit, which he does. Cranky’s Lab pops up in every world just when you think you won’t have to see him ever again. If you collect 15 Banana Medals and give them to Cranky, he’ll give you a chance to win a Rareware Coin."
 * Prima Games guide (page 13): "Cranky is Donkey Kong's dad, and he's not too happy about it. Although he complains almost constantly, Cranky also helps the Kongs by providing potions—for a price, of course. Each potion gives the Kong who drinks it an ability that ape needs.<brVisit Cranky when you find his Lab. It shows up on every level, so suffer through his gruff abuse and see if he has a new potion to offer."
 * German website: "A sharp tongue, lots of hair and loose teeth characterize the video game veteran Cranky Kong. Even if he seldom has anything good to say about his "good for nothing" son, as he calls him, he still supports Donkey and his friends in their exciting adventures with various potions from his laboratory. These wonders from the research lab help the Kongs to turn into true super apes! Whether it's a rocket back-pack, invulnerability, increased speed or becoming the size of a dwarf or a giant - Cranky is just the right one for the purposes of the ape clan. Since one has to pay a price for these helpful abilities, however, it is necessary to have sufficient banana coins on hand when calling on the brightest scientist of the primate world."

Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)

 * Instruction booklet (page 14): "Although most of Cranky’s conversations are hot air, he’ll occasionally drop a hint or two about the game."

Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)

 * Instruction booklet (page 19): "Although most of Cranky's conversations are hot air, he'll occasionally drop a hint or two about the game."
 * Player's Guide (page 8): "Cranky Kong is the eldest of the Kong family and without question the grouchiest. Cranky’s Cabin will appear in each region after you’ve unlocked a few levels. Visit Cranky for clues about the game, hints on where to find hidden camera and, of course, some of Cranky’s usualy grumpy rants.
 * Prima Games guide (page 13): "Cranky's been around since the Game & Watch days, and he knows a thing or two about platform gaming. He unfortunately points this out to you in various ways throughout your visits to his hut. There are six huts to find. Aside from the verbal abuse, you get gameplay tips from the elderly gorilla, and when you've finished the game, he also gives you hints about the remaining Camera Pieces you must collect in the world you're in. Always listen to your elders—this crotchety loon has lots of great advice!"

DK: King of Swing

 * Instruction booklet bio: "Head of the Jungle Jam Executive Committee. He teaches Donkey useful information like how to grab hold of pegs."

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

 * Digital manual bio: "Donkey Kong's hardheaded, curmudgeonly elder. He can use his cane to achieve great heights as well as easily cross spikes or thorny patches."
 * UK website bio: "After a spell on the shelf, Cranky leaps into action! He might look a little long in the tooth, but with his unique abilities and years of wisdom too, this Kong's still got what it takes!"
 * Prima Games guide (page 11): "Introducing Cranky Kong as a playable character was a great decision, which will become apparent when you use this crotchety old coot. In the past, Cranky has seemed withered and frail, as he shouted negative criticism from the safety of his rocking chair. Surprisingly, there is some fight in this old boy still. Instead of using his words, Cranky lets his fists—or cane, rather—do the talking. Cranky uses his cane as a pogo stick, allowing him and DK to reach platforms up high as well as to obtain items along a spiked floor. Cranky uses his cane to whack enemies upside the head and can shoot his dentures with his—you guessed it—Denture Popgun to stun opponents. And you thought you couldn’t teach an old monkey new tricks."

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U trophy
Blue indicates exclusive to the Wii U version.

Quotes

 * "They can't keep this level of graphics up for much longer! We used to be lucky if we only got three shades of grey, let alone any real colors!"
 * "Look!...look at this!...as I rock, my beard swings! Waste of frames in my opinion!"
 * "Whisking off maidens and throwing barrels around the place seven days a week, I was. That's how I got where I am today, you know. Hard work."
 * "You're only reading this because you're bored!"
 * "Tired of me? You're lucky I'm here to brighten up this boring manual!"
 * "I've never seen so much worthless rubbish! I'm surprised they don't give you a special 'trash barrel' to haul it all around in!"

Trivia

 * In the original Nintendo 64 version of Banjo-Kazooie, Cranky Kong and Donkey Kong's names are each an answer to one of the Grunty's Furnace Fun questions.
 * Cranky Kong admits to being a big fan of Game & Watch games, and he also mentions that he considers playing the original Donkey Kong arcade game when Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are not visiting him.
 * In Super Mario Odyssey, one of the streets in New Donk City is named "Cranky Avenue".
 * Cranky Kong has an unused walking animation in the Super Nintendo Entertainment System version of Donkey Kong Country, which would later be used in the Game Boy Advance version.
 * In the Donkey Kong Land 2 coverage of both the 47th and 49th issues of the Australian Nintendo Magazine System, a DK Coin is described as being a prize of "Kranky Kong", [sic] even though he does not appear in the game.