(DK) is a fictional gorilla appearing in the Donkey Kong and Mario video game franchises. A simple minded character of great size and strength, he has appeared both as a protagonist and antagonist. Donkey Kong first appeared in Nintendo's popular 1981 video game of the same name. Since then he has appeared in over 20 games in his own series, as well as in some games in the Mario series. DK debuted at the same time as Mario, and he still spars with Mario on occasion, appearing as a playable character in the Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. series, and is the primary antagonist in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong games.