Diddy Kong Racing N64 box art

Nintendo 64 · Racing / Adventure

Diddy Kong Racing

Certified classic

SystemNintendo 64
Released1997
GenreRacing, Adventure
DeveloperRareware
PublisherRareware
Players1–4 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesDonkey Kong
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 23

Diddy Kong Racing is a racing game released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, developed by Rareware. It blends racing and adventure elements.

It came out in the N64's second year on the market. Other notable N64 releases from 1997 include GoldenEye 007, Star Fox 64 and FIFA: Road to World Cup 98. Among the 67 N64 racing games in our database, it ranks #3 by legacy score.

It is part of the Donkey Kong series; on the N64 you can also try Donkey Kong 64. The series also appears on other systems with Donkey Kong Country (SNES) and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (SNES). Rareware also made GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie and Conker's Bad Fur Day for the N64.

Diddy Kong Racing supports up to 4 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to race and compete
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you want to experience one of the N64's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want a story or exploration rather than laps

What playing Diddy Kong Racing is like

Racing games range from realistic driving to kart racers with weapons and shortcuts. Races are short, making them great for quick sessions and split-screen rivalries.

Tip for newcomers: Learn each track's racing line and braking points; in kart racers, item strategy matters as much as driving.

Diddy Kong Racing gameplay screenshot on N64
In-game screenshot (N64)

Diddy Kong Racing cheats & codes

211 codes on file (GameShark). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:

Drive Fast On Land When Using Hovercraft80047E73 0000
Alle Ballone8020886D 0032
99 Balloons801FD3DD 0063
Enable Cheat Modifier 1810E031C 0100
Activate Cheat Modifier 1810E0318 0000
Enable Cheat Modifier 2810E031E 0000

See all Diddy Kong Racing cheats

Diddy Kong Racing walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Diddy Kong Racing.

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Playing N64 games today

The N64 is at its best with friends on the couch: its library is packed with four-player party, racing and shooter games. Selected titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

Diddy Kong Racing FAQ

When did Diddy Kong Racing come out on the N64?

Diddy Kong Racing was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1997.

Who made Diddy Kong Racing?

It was developed by Rareware.

Is Diddy Kong Racing multiplayer?

Yes. Diddy Kong Racing supports up to 4 players.

How long does Diddy Kong Racing take to play?

As a racing game, Diddy Kong Racing typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Diddy Kong Racing on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you