The modern - day Donkey Kong seen in all Mario and Donkey Kong games since Donkey Kong Country is stated by the games featuring Rareware's extended Donkey Kong cast and setting to be the son (or grandson) of the «Donkey Kong» that was featured in the classic coin - op arcade games, and this original «Donkey Kong» is depicted in the Rareware - originated series as an elderly
curmudgeon named
Cranky Kong.