Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Donkey Kong was one of the original launch titles for the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, released on July 15, 1983, alongside Donkey Kong Jr. and Popeye. The NES version followed in 1986.
This iconic arcade platformer stars Jumpman (later known as Mario) as he races to rescue Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. Dodge barrels, climb ladders, smash obstacles with hammers, and navigate tricky platforms—this is platforming at its purest.
Watch the original Famicom version in action and see why this game helped launch Nintendo's legendary run in the home console market.
- Platform: Nintendo Famicom / NES
- Genre: Arcade / Platformer
- Release Year: 1983 (Japan), 1986 (USA)
- Developer: Nintendo
For those wondering, I'm getting crystal clear composite video out of my Nintendo Famicom using the Backoffice POWER VAMP V5 PSU AV replacement board (link below). I capture video going out from my Famicom into my Panasonic DMR-ES46V then into a laptop to record it.
DISCLAIMER: Please do not take this video as a tutorial / advice. I'm not an expert, this is just my hobby :)
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
--- Video Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Famicom
0:23 - Donkey Kong Title Screen
0:43 - Girders: Level 1
1:11 - Elevator
1:46 - Rivets
0:23 - Girders: Level 2
1:11 - Elevato
1:46 - Rivets
2:37 - Girders: Level 3
3:10 - Elevator
3:44 - Rivets
4:48 - Girders: Level 4
5:55 - Elevator
6:39 - Rivets
7:42 - Girders: Level 5
8:52 - Elevator
9:36 - Rivets
10:25 - Game Over
-- Video Links
The Back Office Nintendo Famicom PSU AV replacement board POWER VAMP V5 (now selling V6):
backofficeshow.com/shop/famicom-psu-av-replacement-board
Super Mario Wiki: Family Computer:
mariowiki.com/Family_Computer
--- Channel Links
My Nintendo Family Computer Famicom Playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOgohYmiitqkr5tSD4OZmErtxEWyYPB1O
View this video on the Geek With Social Skills website:
geekwithsocialskills.com/donkey-kong-famicom-lets-play
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
Explore more retro tech, vintage computing, gaming, and nostalgia content at:
geekwithsocialskills.com
#DonkeyKong #Nintendo #Famicom #RetroGaming #Mario #ArcadeGames #Platformer #Gameplay
Donkey Kong was one of the original launch titles for the Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, released on July 15, 1983, alongside Donkey Kong Jr. and Popeye. The NES version followed in 1986.
This iconic arcade platformer stars Jumpman (later known as Mario) as he races to rescue Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. Dodge barrels, climb ladders, smash obstacles with hammers, and navigate tricky platforms—this is platforming at its purest.
Watch the original Famicom version in action and see why this game helped launch Nintendo's legendary run in the home console market.
- Platform: Nintendo Famicom / NES
- Genre: Arcade / Platformer
- Release Year: 1983 (Japan), 1986 (USA)
- Developer: Nintendo
For those wondering, I'm getting crystal clear composite video out of my Nintendo Famicom using the Backoffice POWER VAMP V5 PSU AV replacement board (link below). I capture video going out from my Famicom into my Panasonic DMR-ES46V then into a laptop to record it.
DISCLAIMER: Please do not take this video as a tutorial / advice. I'm not an expert, this is just my hobby :)
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
--- Video Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Famicom
0:23 - Donkey Kong Title Screen
0:43 - Girders: Level 1
1:11 - Elevator
1:46 - Rivets
0:23 - Girders: Level 2
1:11 - Elevato
1:46 - Rivets
2:37 - Girders: Level 3
3:10 - Elevator
3:44 - Rivets
4:48 - Girders: Level 4
5:55 - Elevator
6:39 - Rivets
7:42 - Girders: Level 5
8:52 - Elevator
9:36 - Rivets
10:25 - Game Over
-- Video Links
The Back Office Nintendo Famicom PSU AV replacement board POWER VAMP V5 (now selling V6):
backofficeshow.com/shop/famicom-psu-av-replacement-board
Super Mario Wiki: Family Computer:
mariowiki.com/Family_Computer
--- Channel Links
My Nintendo Family Computer Famicom Playlist:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOgohYmiitqkr5tSD4OZmErtxEWyYPB1O
View this video on the Geek With Social Skills website:
geekwithsocialskills.com/donkey-kong-famicom-lets-play
Subscribe:
youtube.com/geekwithsocialskills?sub_confirmation=1
Explore more retro tech, vintage computing, gaming, and nostalgia content at:
geekwithsocialskills.com
#DonkeyKong #Nintendo #Famicom #RetroGaming #Mario #ArcadeGames #Platformer #Gameplay
