Editing Diddy Kong (SSBU)

'''Diddy Kong''' ({{ja|ディディーコング|Didī Kongu}}, ''Diddy Kong'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was officially confirmed on June 12th, 2018 alongside {{SSBU|Olimar}} and the rest of the returning roster. Unlike his previous appearances in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Diddy Kong is now an unlockable character instead of a starter character. Diddy Kong is classified as fighter #36.

Diddy Kong once again retains his realistic chimpanzee screeches that were used in both ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'' instead of being voiced by Katsumi Suzuki.

With the exception of the third method, Diddy Kong must then be defeated on [[Kongo Falls]].

==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==

Having been one of the most notorious top tier fighters in early ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' and remaining a dominant top-tier character throughout the game's lifespan, Diddy Kong was considerably nerfed in the transition to ''Ultimate''. His staple moves have all been worsened in various ways, hindering his once excellent neutral game; the most notable example is his {{b|Banana Peel|move}}, which cannot be grabbed as quickly due to him releasing it at a higher arc, and although it can now be thrown twice at opponents before disappearing, this also gives them more opportunities to use it against him. Among other examples, [[Monkey Flip]] has more ending lag, [[up aerial]] is harder to hit due to possessing a large blind spot in front of Diddy, and his [[up tilt]] and [[down tilt]], the latter having been previously infamous for easily setting up combos and KO setups into his [[up smash]], have shorter range that makes them harder to take advantage of. Additionally, [[Rocketbarrel Boost]] travels a drastically shorter distance when fully charged, and the charge time itself was reduced by a third, to the point that the difference in distance between the uncharged and fully charged version is now barely notable, significantly worsening his already vulnerable [[recovery]]. Further exacerbating these nerfs, the universal changes hinder Diddy  overall, as the more limited [[out of shield]] options and increased lag on [[grab]]s weaken his approach and defensive game with Banana Peel, while the faster knockback physics reduce his [[up throw]]'s combo potential, no longer having reliable combos or KO setups at high percents. Lastly, Diddy's [[weight]] has been lowered, making him even easier to KO.

Diddy Kong did receive notable buffs, however. His [[neutral attack]] no longer has an infinite portion, which decreases its damage potential but allows it to connect much more reliably, improving its overall consistency and utility as a close range option. Some of his moves also have reduced lag that increases their combo ability, namely his [[dash attack]], [[up tilt]], [[down aerial]], and [[down throw]], the latter working better as an alternative to his up throw at lower percents. Game updates have further enhanced various aspects of Diddy's moveset: his [[up smash]], [[down smash]], and [[up aerial]] have increased KO power, his [[neutral aerial]] (previously his most situational aerial attack) is considerably more useful due to [[auto-cancel]]ing much earlier and having increased range, and [[Peanut Popgun]] deals more damage with a faster charge speed. However, these buffs do not fully compensate for the nerfs to more crucial aspects of Diddy's moveset.

Overall, Diddy Kong's nerfs outweigh his buffs, making him worse than his iteration in ''Smash 4''. During ''Ultimate''{{'}}s early metagame, his overall perception has been negative, since notable ''Smash 4'' Diddy Kong players such as {{Sm|MVD}}, {{Sm|Zinoto}} and {{Sm|Nietono}} have dropped him in favor of other characters, and he has suffered from minimal tournament representation. However, recent game updates (most notably version {{SSBU|3.1.0}}) have meaningfully buffed Diddy to a more substantial degree; furthermore, Diddy has started to show signs of competitive success thanks to the efforts of {{sm|Dakpo}}, who recently placed 13th at {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}}. As a result, Diddy Kong is considered to be a mid-tier character overall, however his viability being a subject of debate.

*{{change|As with all [[veteran]]s returning from ''SSB4'', Diddy Kong's model features a more subdued color scheme. Like {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}, his fur is less detailed than the previous installment.}}

*{{change|Diddy Kong is more expressive, he appears angry during his up and down throw as well as grabbing onto a ledge. His hat also appears to be "looser" around his head, popping off slightly while performing many actions.}}

*{{change|Diddy Kong's chest now faces the screen, regardless of whether he is facing left or right. As a result, most of his moves are now mirrored.}}

*{{change|Up taunt has an altered ending animation. Diddy Kong now fixes his hat as it lands crooked on his head.}}

*{{buff|Like all characters, Diddy Kong's [[jumpsquat]] animation takes 3 frames to complete (down from 4).}}

*{{buff|Diddy Kong [[run]]s faster (1.824 → 2.006).}}

**{{buff|His initial [[dash]] is significantly faster (1.7 → 2.09).}}

*{{buff|Diddy Kong [[walk]]s faster (1.25 → 1.313).}}

*{{buff|Diddy Kong's [[air speed]] is higher (0.88 → 0.924).}}

*{{buff|Diddy Kong's [[traction]] is much higher (0.0484 → 0.093).}}

*{{change|Diddy Kong is [[weight|lighter]] (93 → 90). This makes him less susceptible to combos at the expense of worse endurance.}}

*{{nerf|Forward [[roll]] grants less [[intangibility]] (frames 4-15 → 4-14) and has more ending lag ([[FAF]] 28 → 29).}}

*{{buff|[[Spot dodge]] has less ending lag (FAF 26 → 24).}}

*{{nerf|Spot dodge has more startup and grants less intangibility (frame 2-16 → 3-14).}}

*{{buff|[[Air dodge]] grants more intangibility (frames 2-26 → 2-27).}}

*{{nerf|Air dodge has significantly more ending lag (FAF 32 → 45).}}

**{{buff|The first and second hits have altered angles (105°/78°/45° (hit 1), 100°/78°/45° (hit 2) → [[361]]°/180°) and knockback (16/18/24 [[set knockback|set]]/100 scaling → 25/20 base/25/15 scaling (hit 1), 20 base/25/15 scaling (hit 2)) to keep opponents on the ground and closer to Diddy Kong, akin to other neutral attacks. This allows them to connect better and [[jab lock]].}}

**{{buff|The first hit transitions into the second hit faster (frame 9 → 6), which transitions into the third hit faster (frame 9 → 7). The third hit also has less startup lag (frame 9 → 5).}}

**{{buff|The first hit can be held for a consecutive jab.}}

***{{buff|This makes the neutral attack much more consistent, no longer risking opponents escaping it before the final hit and punishing Diddy Kong. The third hit also has less ending lag compared to the previous neutral infinite's finisher (FAF 39 → 35).}}

**{{buff|Forward tilt's arm hitboxes have a longer duration (1 frame → 2 frames), and the hand hitboxes retain full damage for longer before transitioning to sourspots (1 frame → 3 frames), improving the consistency of both the range and damage output of the move.}}

**{{nerf|Forward tilt has more base knockback (10 → 60), but less knockback scaling (100 → 60), and launches at a higher angle (361° → 45°). This increases it safety on hit at low percents, but more drastically reduces its KO potential, and removes its ability to [[lock]].}}

**{{buff|Up tilt has less ending lag (FAF 33 → 30), improving its combo potential.}}

**{{nerf|It has an altered animation where Diddy Kong does not leap as high, decreasing its vertical range. It can no longer hit opponents on the middle platforms in {{SSBU|Battlefield}}.}}

**{{buff|Dash attack has less startup (frame 9/18/24 → 8/16/22) and ending lag (FAF 46 → 41), improving its combo potential.}}

**{{buff|Due to the changes to [[jostle]] mechanics, it can no longer whiff if initiated too close to an opponent.}}

**{{buff|The first and second hits have lower hitlag multipliers (1× → 0.5× (hit 1), 0.8× (hit 2)) and an additional hitbox, as well as different launch angles for aerial opponents, with the second hit's also being larger (3.5u → 4u), allowing the move to connect more reliably.}}

**{{change|The third hit launches at a slightly higher angle (78° → 83°).}}

*[[Forward smash]]:

***{{nerf|However, its total duration remains unchanged, giving it one frame more ending lag.}}

**{{buff|The first and second hits have received various changes to their angles and set knockback<!--way too many to list all of them here-->, and the second hit uses weight-independent knockback like the first, allowing the move to connect more reliably.}}

**{{buff|The second hit has less startup (frame 16 → 14).}}

***{{nerf|However, it has a shorter hitbox duration (frames 16-18 → frame 14), and the move's total duration remains the same, giving it more ending lag.}}

**{{nerf|The first hit has more startup (frame 6 → 9).}}

===Aerial attacks===

**{{buff|Neutral aerial has regained its much faster [[auto-cancel]] window from ''Brawl'' (frame 59 → 27), allowing it to autocancel in a [[short hop fast fall]] once again.}}

**{{buff|It has noticeably larger hitboxes (2u → 3.5u).}}

*[[Forward aerial]]:

**{{nerf|Forward aerial's late hit has much smaller hitboxes (5u → 2.7u).}}

**{{change|It has an altered animation where Diddy Kong does not spin as much.}}

*[[Up aerial]]:

**{{buff|Up aerial has less ending lag (FAF 39 → 36), matching its ending lag from ''Smash 4'' prior to update [[1.0.8]]. This allows it to combo slightly better into itself.}}

**{{buff|It deals more damage (6% → 7%) with only base knockback compensated (64 → 57), slightly improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|The animation at the beginning of the move has been sped up with its hitbox duration unchanged, creating a blind spot in front of Diddy Kong.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial has less startup (frame 17 → 15), with its total duration reduced as well (FAF 49 → 47).}}

**{{buff|The removal of [[tech]]ing for grounded [[meteor smash]]es improves down aerial's combo potential onstage, compounded further by its reduced landing lag.}}

===Throws and other attacks===

*[[Grab]]s:

**{{nerf|All grabs have less range (Z2 offset: 8.3u → 7.8u (standing), 9.9u → 9.5u (dash), 13.9u → 13.6u (pivot)).}}

*[[Pummel]]:

**{{buff|Pummel deals more hitlag (4 frames → 11), but has less startup (frame 2 → 1) and significantly less ending lag (FAF 17 → 7), shortening its effective duration.}}

*[[Up throw]]:

**{{nerf|The faster knockback physics hinder up throw's combo potential at high percents, no longer having a KO setup into up aerial unless initiated at the top platform of Battlefield.}}

*[[Down throw]]:

**{{buff|Down throw has less ending lag (FAF 35 → 32), improving its combo potential.}}

*[[Edge attack]]:

**{{buff|Edge attack deals more damage (7% → 9%).}}

*[[Peanut Popgun]]:

**{{buff|Peanut Popgun has less startup lag (frame 18 → 16) and charges much faster (frame 120 → 94 (full charge), 123 → 97 (explosion)).}}

***{{nerf|However, its total duration remains unchanged, giving it more ending lag.}}

**{{buff|It has gained a melee hitbox that deals 3%, increasing its utility at point blank range by allowing it to rack up more damage and negate [[reflect]]ors.}}

**{{buff|The peanuts deal more damage (3.6%-12% → 4.8%-13.8%).}}

**{{change|Diddy Kong's animation for Peanut Popgun is mirrored, and he can fire with either his left or right hand.}}

**{{change|Peanuts bounce once upon hitting the ground, and float upwards before exploding upon hitting an opponent, although these animations are only aesthetic.}}

*[[Monkey Flip]]:

**{{buff|Monkey Flip has less startup lag (frame 20 → 18).}}

**{{buff|The grab has more horizontal range (Z offset: 3u/2u → 4.5u/4u).}}

**{{buff|The jump attack now immobilises the opponent for a minimum of 20 frames if the hitstun is less than 20 frames, improving its gimping potential and its safety when used onstage.}}

**{{change|The grab's automatic pummel has Diddy Kong repeatedly scratch the opponent instead of simply latching onto them.}}

*[[Rocketbarrel Boost]]:

**{{buff|Rocketbarrel Boost's clean hit has larger hitboxes (3.5u → 4u).}}

**{{buff|It grants slightly more distance when uncharged.}}

**{{buff|If knocked off of Diddy Kong, the player can guide the pack's general trajectory by a slight amount, allowing it to be used as a niche projectile.}}

**{{nerf|Its maximum charge time has been significantly reduced (90 frames → 60), to the point the fully charged version barely grants more distance than the uncharged version if used while falling, greatly hindering Diddy Kong's recovery.}}

*{{b|Banana Peel|move}}:

**{{nerf|Diddy Kong throws the Banana Peel in a higher arc, causing it to take longer to pick up afterwards.}}

**{{change|The Banana Peel can hit opponents twice before disappearing rather than only once, bouncing off in a high arc on the first hit. This allows Diddy Kong to pick it up and throw it again, but shielding opponents can likewise punish Diddy Kong and steal the Banana Peel, leaving him more disadvantaged.}}

**{{change|Diddy Kong has a new Final Smash, [[Hyper Rocketbarrel]], which functions differently from [[Rocketbarrel Barrage]]. Diddy Kong flies through the stage in an erratic fashion to punch his trapped opponents. The final hit is where Diddy Kong does a delayed, aimed punch, dealing heavy knockback. Diddy Kong then lands and deactivates his Rocketbarrel Pack at the spot where he first used the move.}}

Diddy Kong has been significantly buffed in game updates.

|neutralname=&nbsp;

|neutraldesc=Diddy Kong does two alternating inward slaps, followed by an outward side kick. Holding the attack button will have Diddy Kong repeat the first hit. The first 2 hits can [[lock]].

|ftiltname=&nbsp;

|ftiltdesc=Diddy Kong leans to the side and thrusts both of his arms forward in a double punch. Can be angled upwards or downwards.

|utiltname=&nbsp;

|utiltdesc=Diddy Kong swats in the air above him with a slap in a similar fashion to an uppercut. Hits quite quickly and can combo into most of Diddy Kong's aerial attacks at low to mid percent ranges.

|dtiltname=Hand Clap

|dtiltdesc=Diddy Kong claps in front of himself while crouching. An extremely versatile combo starter, as it can combo into a variety of moves at nearly any percentage, including down tilt to up smash as a notorious KO confirm.

|dashname=&nbsp;

|dashdesc=Diddy Kong performs his signature {{s|mariowiki|Cartwheel}} attack from ''{{s|mariowiki|Donkey Kong Country}}'', concluding with a double-handed ground-slap. The final hit has largely vertical knockback and can combo into aerials at low to mid percent ranges.

|fsmashname=&nbsp;

|fsmashdesc=Diddy Kong jumps forward while spinning, and performs an open-handed slap followed by a spinning back fist with his opposite arm. The first hit combos into the second, which has good knockback and killing power. However, it is easily punished if missed. Often only used in combination with his [[Banana Peel (move)|banana peel]].

|usmashname=&nbsp;

|usmashdesc=Diddy Kong leaps upward and performs a stationary cartwheel, attacking upwards with an open-handed slap, a reverse heel kick, and an uppercut.

|dsmashname=&nbsp;

|dsmashdesc=Diddy Kong performs a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flare_(acrobatic_move) flare], kicking in front and then behind himself.

|nairname=&nbsp;

|nairdesc=Diddy Kong does an aerial cartwheel similar to his dash attack. Very high ending lag, so much so that Diddy Kong  should avoid using this move offstage. However, it deals a low amount of vertical knockback, which can lead to potential [[footstool_jump|footstools]] or aerial follow ups (though due to changes regarding footstooling, it is no longer an always-guaranteed option), giving it usage as a combo extender.

|fairname=Screw Kick

|fairdesc=Diddy Kong does a dropkick while spinning.

|bairname=&nbsp;

|bairdesc=Diddy Kong does a reverse spin kick behind himself.

|uairname=&nbsp;

|uairdesc=Diddy Kong performs an overhead kick in an arc. Tied for the fastest in the game (frame 4 startup) but the animation is faster with its duration unchanged, causing it to have a blindspot in front of Diddy.  

|dairname=&nbsp;

|dairdesc=Diddy Kong swings both arms downward in a double axe-handle punch. A strong [[meteor smash]] and Diddy Kong's strongest aerial overall, though it is also his slowest. It has a large auto-cancel window at the beginning of the attack before the hitbox starts, which makes it a good tool for landing provided that you input the move shortly before touching the ground. It can also jab lock opponents at low percent ranges.

|grabname=&nbsp;

|grabdesc=Diddy Kong reaches out in front of himself.

|pummelname=&nbsp;

|pummeldesc=A headbutt.

|fthrowname=

|fthrowdesc=Diddy Kong tosses his opponent forwards. The throw is based on Diddy Kong's barrel toss animation from ''Donkey Kong Country''. Diddy Kong's second strongest throw, KOing middleweights around 156% at the edge of [[Final Destination]].  

|bthrowname=

|bthrowdesc=Diddy Kong tosses his opponent backwards. Diddy Kong's strongest and most damaging throw, KOing middleweights around 130%.

|uthrowname=

|uthrowdesc=Diddy Kong throws his opponent up and handstand kicks them.

|dthrowname=

|dthrowdesc=Diddy Kong throws the opponent onto the ground and hops over them. Can lead into aerial attacks from low to mid percent ranges

|floorfdesc=Diddy Kong gets up and kicks on both sides.

|floorbdesc=Diddy Kong gets up and kicks on both sides.

|floortdesc=Diddy Kong gets up and kicks on both sides.

|nsdesc=Diddy Kong shoots a peanut from his Popgun. A safe projectile attack that is rather useful in neutral. It can also be canceled in the air if the shield button is held before inputting the special button, which is useful for [[B-reversing]] to make Diddy Kong's movement harder to predict. The peanuts have the property of items, and can be caught and thrown. The peanuts also bounce off of opponents and solid surfaces, but they lose their hitbox afterwards.

The longer Diddy Kong charges the attack, the farther and quicker the peanut will fly. If Diddy Kong overcharges the attack, however, it will cause a very powerful explosion that leaves him vulnerable but possesses massive knockback.

|ssdmg=14% (clean midair kick), 12% (mid midair kick), 10% (late midair kick), 1% (grab loop), 3% (grab attack, hit 1), 7% (grab attack, hit 2), 3% (jump attack, hit 1), 8% (jump attack, hit 2)

|ssdesc=Diddy Kong performs a back-flipping forward leap that has him cling onto an opponent. Inputting the move as a smash attack increases the distance of the jump. Once he has clung onto the opponent, he will continuously scratch them. During this time, he can perform an action depending on what button is pressed: pressing the attack or special move button will cause Diddy Kong to attack them with a double-handed chop them and then leap away, while pressing the jump button will cause him to perform a pseudo footstool jump, which can [[meteor smash]] at high percentages. If the attack or special button is pressed during the jump, Diddy Kong will attack with a flying kick instead of latching on to his opponent. However, if Diddy Kong chooses to use the flying kick he will not be able to use his [[Rocketbarrel Boost|rocketbarrel pack]] unless he touches the ground first, making it a risky option offstage.  

|usdesc=Diddy Kong charges his rocketbarrel pack from ''Donkey Kong 64'' in a powerful attack. Can potentially fly very far and very fast when charged, however hitting a surface, or being hit, will make Diddy Kong lose his rocketbarrels before falling a huge distance while being unable to perform any action, often falling too far to survive. Diddy Kong will also take recoil damage for hitting a surface.

|dsdesc=Diddy Kong tosses a [[Banana Peel]] over his shoulder and into the air to have it fall onto the ground. Grounded opponents who touch the peel while on the ground or are hit by the peel when thrown will slip and [[trip]] on the floor. An integral part of Diddy Kong’s kit, as it allows him to take control of the stage, extend and create combos, set up kills, easily punish missed attacks from his opponents even if they are spaced properly, and otherwise dominate the neutral game. A held banana also serves as one of the best [[out of shield]] options in the game when thrown. Only one banana peel can exist at one time, and it disappears when hit by an opponent or when thrown twice.

|fsdmg=0.5% (startup loop), 2.5% (per collision), 20% (final hit), 15% (collateral final hit), 10% (explosion)

|fsdesc=Diddy Kong activates his Rocketbarrel Pack and flies up. He then dashes across the screen in multiple directions, dealing damage to whoever he touches. After a while, he will lock on to whatever opponent has taken the most damage, and unleash one final dash attack that launches the targeted opponent, as well as any other nearby opponents. After this last attack, Diddy Kong descends back to his original position. His Rocketbarrel Pack explodes before he lands, which damages nearby opponents.

Bursts out of a [[DK Barrel]] and claps his hands above his head.

*'''Up taunt''': Tosses his cap in the air and has it land on his head. This is a reference to his victory pose in ''Donkey Kong Country'', after he defeats a boss or wins in a {{s|mariowiki|Bonus Area}}.

*'''Side taunt''': Angrily does a playful fighter's stance, trying to assert his dominance.

*'''Down taunt''': Claps his hands above his head four times, switching feet in the process..

*Scratches his rump, gets down on all fours, and shakes his fur.

*Jumps in place twice.

SSBUDiddyKongIdle1.gif|Diddy Kong's first idle pose

SSBUDiddyKongIdle2.gif|Diddy Kong's second idle pose

*'''Left:''' Shoots the air with his Peanut Popguns, rolls towards the camera, and fires one more shot.

*'''Up:''' Spins with his Rocket Barrels then faces the screen, dancing with hands on his head and chin.

*'''Right:''' Does a small dance, then holds still in a breakdance-like pose, clapping his feet together.

==In competitive play==

===Notable players===

<!--If you are planning to add a player you consider to be notable, please provide tournament results in some shape or form in the edit summary (be it a link to a results thread or bracket of placing high in a tournament of other notable players or a video of them beating a notable player). Winning tournaments without notable players present is generally not enough to warrant a spot.-->

''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]], which recognizes the official top 50 players in the world in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] from February 1st, 2019 to July 7th, 2019.''

*{{Sm|cyve|Germany}} - The best {{SSBU|Inkling}} in Germany with a strong Diddy Kong secondary. Placed 5th at {{Trn|Valhalla II}}, 7th at {{Trn|VCA 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Albion 4}}. Ranked 5th in the [[German Power Rankings|German Ultimate Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Dakpo|USA}} - One of the best Diddy Kong players in the world. Placed 13th at {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}}, 17th at {{Trn|Ultimatum}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Mainstage}}. Ranked 4th in the [[Las Vegas Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|JJROCKETS|South Korea}} - The best Diddy Kong player in South Korea. Placed 1st at both {{Trn|Gamebookr's Mid-Year Smash Tournament}} and {{Trn|REV Major 2019}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Uprising 2019}}.

*{{Sm|Legit|USA}} - One of the best Diddy Kong players in the world. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Pre-Genesix}}, 13th at {{Trn|Super Splat Bros}}, 33rd at {{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga}}, and 49th at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}.

*{{Sm|Manda|France}} - Placed 17th at {{Trn|Valhalla III}} and 49th at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2019}}. Has wins over {{Sm|Ogey}} and {{Sm|Griffith}}.

*{{Sm|NameLess|USA}} - Placed 4th at {{Trn|Be Mine?}} and 9th at {{Trn|Overextend}}. Ranked 6th on the [[Minnesota Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Minnesota Ultimate Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Rivers|USA}} (#18) - The best {{SSBU|Chrom}} player in the world with a strong Diddy Kong secondary and is considered one of the best Diddy Kong players in the world. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|Play With Heart}} and 13th at {{Trn|2GG: SwitchFest 2019}} with wins over {{Sm|HIKARU}} and {{Sm|Lemmon}}.

*{{Sm|Tweek|USA}} (#2) - Placed 2nd at {{Trn|2GG: Kongo Saga}} using Diddy Kong as one of his characters and 3rd at {{Trn|2GG: Kickoff - Kongo Saga}} using solo Diddy Kong.

*{{Sm|Twinkle|Japan}} - The best Diddy Kong player in Japan. Placed 33rd at both {{Trn|2GG: Kongo Saga}} and {{Trn|Umebura SP 6}}. He has wins over {{Sm|Razo}} and {{Sm|Charliedaking}}.  

*{{Sm|Z|p=Canada|Canada}} - Placed 9th at {{Trn|Polybash 2019}} with solo Diddy Kong, 9th at both {{Trn|DreamHack Montreal 2019}} and {{Trn|Summer Shieldbreak}} with both {{SSBU|Palutena}} and Diddy Kong.

*{{Sm|Zinoto|USA}} - Placed 2nd at {{Trn|Guardian I}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Climax 3}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} using Diddy Kong as one of his characters.

[[File:SSBU Congratulations Diddy Kong.png|thumb|right|Diddy Kong's congratulations screen.]]

In Diddy Kong's path, he serves as the "little buddy" to the hero of various Nintendo franchises and fights the respective villains or final bosses. In the penultimate stage he finally teams up with his true partner, Donkey Kong, to defeat their nemesis King K. Rool. Donkey Kong is also Diddy Kong's partner for the final fight against Master Hand and Crazy Hand. The title originated from the manual of ''{{iw|mariowiki|Donkey Kong Country}}'' and was popularized by the ''{{iw|mariowiki|Donkey Kong Country|television series}}'' TV series; Diddy Kong is also referred to as Donkey Kong's "little buddy" in games such as ''Brawl'' and ''{{s|mariowiki|Donkey Kong Country Returns}}''.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"

|1||{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px}} and {{SSBU|Bowser Jr.}} {{Head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Princess Peach's Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}''||{{SSBU|Mario}} {{Head|Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px}} is a CPU ally.

|2||{{SSBU|Ridley}} {{Head|Ridley|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Meta}} and {{SSBU|Dark Samus}} {{Head|Dark Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Nemesis Ridley}}''||{{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} {{Head|Zero Suit Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px}} is a CPU ally.

|3||{{SSBU|Ganondorf}} {{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Unova Pokémon League]] ([[Battlefield form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Death Mountain}}''||{{SSBU|Zelda}} {{Head|Zelda|g=SSBU|s=20px}} is a CPU ally.

|4||{{SSBU|Mewtwo}} {{Head|Mewtwo|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Spear Pillar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Dialga/Palkia) / Spear Pillar}}''||{{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} {{Head|Pokémon Trainer|g=SSBU|s=20px}} is a CPU ally.

|5||{{SSBU|King Dedede}} {{Head|King Dedede|g=SSBU|s=20px}} and {{SSBU|Meta Knight}} {{Head|Meta Knight|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Fountain of Dreams]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|King Dedede's Theme (Brawl)}}''||{{SSBU|Kirby}} {{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px}} is a CPU ally.

|6||{{SSBU|King K. Rool}} {{Head|King K. Rool|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Jungle Japes]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|King K. Rool / Ship Deck 2}}''||{{SSBU|Donkey Kong}} {{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px}} is a CPU ally.

|Final||{{SSBU|Master Hand}} and {{SSBU|Crazy Hand}}||{{SSBU|Final Destination}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Master Hand / Crazy Hand}}''||Donkey Kong {{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px}} is a CPU ally.

Diddy Kong was present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed its beams of light. He attempted to fly away with {{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}} using his activated [[Rocketbarrel Boost|Rocketbarrel Pack]], but a beam of light hit him and he was vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment along with the other fighters, excluding {{SSBU|Kirby}}.

To find Diddy Kong, the player must access the [[DK Island (Adventure Mode)|Kongo Jungle sub-area]] reminiscent of the first ''Donkey Kong Country'' game, where he's found right at the end.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"

! style="width:5%;"|No.

! style="width:5%;"|Image

! Name

! Type

! Power

! Stage

! Music

| 36

| [[File:Diddy Kong SSBU.png|center|108x108px]]

| {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}}

| {{color|#17ba17|Grab}}

| 9,000

| [[Kongo Jungle]] ([[Ω form]])

| ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Stickerbush Symphony}}''

{{-}}

==[[Spirit]]s==

Diddy Kong's Fighter Spirit can be obtained by completing [[Classic Mode]]. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 500 coins. Unlocking Diddy Kong in World of Light allows the player to preview the spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a Fighter Spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. Each Fighter Spirit has an alternate version that replaces them with their artwork in ''Ultimate''.

Spirits diddy kong.png|135. '''''Diddy Kong'''''

==In Spirit battles==

|{{anchor|Lanky Kong}}Lanky Kong

|''Donkey Kong series''

|•{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} Team {{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} (x6)

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Tiny Kong}}Tiny Kong

|''Donkey Kong series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|•Dangerously high winds are in effect<br>•Timed battle<br>•Gravity is reduced

|{{anchor|Squitter}}Squitter

|''Donkey Kong series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Tiki Tak Tribe}}Tiki Tak Tribe

|''Donkey Kong series''

|•{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} Team (x4) ({{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}{{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}{{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}}

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|{{anchor|Octorok}}Octorok

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|•{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} Team {{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}} (×4)

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Deku Link}}Deku Link

|''The Legend of Zelda series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Ukiki}}Ukiki

|''Yoshi series''

|•{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} Team {{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}} (×4)

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Andrew Oikonny}}[[Andrew Oikonny]]

|''Star Fox series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Dash Bowman}}[[File:DashBowman.png|center|64x64px]]

|{{anchor|Dash Bowman}}{{s|lylatwiki|Dash Bowman}}

|''Star Fox series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|[[File:Salsa Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|Salsa

|''Earthbound series''

|•{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} {{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}<br>•{{SSBU|Wario}} {{Head|Wario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=ClassicRed}}

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|[[File:Leif.png|center|64x64px]]

|Leif (Animal Crossing)

|''Animal Crossing series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|[[File:Dee Jay Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|Dee Jay

|''Street Fighter series''

|•{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} {{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}} (x3)

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{anchor|Goku & Chao}}[[File:Goku & Chao.png|center|64x64px]]

|Goku & Chao

|''Famicom Mukashibanashi series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Yūyūki Medley}}

|{{anchor|Prince Saruno}}[[File:Prince Saruno Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|•{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} Team {{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}} (×4)

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|PERFORMANCE}}

|{{anchor|Tooty}}[[File:Tooty Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|''Banjo-Kazooie series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|[[File:GrookeyScorbunnySobbleSpirit.jpg|center|64x64px]]

|Grookey, Scorbunny, & Sobble

|''Pokémon series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]

|[[Onett]] (Battlefield form)

|•The enemy has increased attack power when damaged<br>•Reinforcements will appear during the battle<br>•The enemy starts the battle with a [[Lip's Stick]]

|[[bulbapedia:Grookey (Pokémon)|Grookey]]

|{{anchor|Barrel Train}}Barrel Train

|''Mario Kart series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|•Item: {{b|Bullet Bill|item}}

|{{anchor|Funky Kong}}Funky Kong

|''Donkey Kong series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|•Item: {{b|Bullet Bill|item}}

|{{anchor|Dixie Kong}}[[Dixie Kong]]

|''Donkey Kong series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Stickerbush Symphony}}

|{{anchor|Roll Caskett}}[[File:Roll Caskett Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]

|''Mega Man Legends series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Light Plane (for 3DS / Wii U)}}

|[[File:Fleature.png|center|64x64px]]

|The Creature & Flea Man

|''Castlevania series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]

|{{anchor|Donbe & Hikari}}[[File:Donbe hikari.png|center|64x64px]]

|Donbe & Hikari

|''Famicom Mukashibanashi series''

|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Shin Onigashima Medley}}

|colspan=8|[[File:Diddy Kong Palette (SSBU).png|link=Palette swap (SSBU)#Mario|1000px]]

SSBUWebsiteDonkeyKong3.jpg|With D.K. on Great Bay.

===Character Showcase Video===

*Diddy Kong and Bayonetta are the only characters who face Ridley in an alternate costume in Classic Mode.

*Diddy Kong's Classic Mode route is vaguely similar to {{SSBU|Zelda}}'s, as both characters fight villains and/or final bosses for opponents.

*{{uv|Yoshi}} and {{uv|Star Fox}} are the only "Original 8" universes to not be represented in Diddy Kong's Classic Mode route.

*Although Diddy Kong appears in half the amount of Classic Mode routes {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}} appears in, appearing in eight total, {{SSBU|Bowser}} and {{SSBU|Snake}} are the only other characters (besides Donkey Kong himself) who face Diddy Kong as a standalone fighter in Classic Mode.