# Donkey Kong Jr. Math - The 1983 Educational Spin-Off Donkey Kong Jr. Math released on December 12, 1983, for the Famicom in Japan and 1986 for the NES in North America and Europe, is an educational platformer developed by Nintendo R&D2, designed by Toshihiko Nakago, and published by Nintendo. A spin-off of *Donkey Kong Jr.* (1982), it repurposes its engine and assets, casting Donkey Kong Jr. as he solves math problems set by Donkey Kong (later Cranky Kong). Featuring three modes—Calculate A, Calculate B, and +-×÷ Exercise—it’s the only NES game in Nintendo’s North American “Education Series” due to its commercial failure. With 8-bit visuals and basic sound, it was criticized (*IGN*: “worst Virtual Console game”) for sluggish controls and repetitive gameplay. Re-released in *Animal Crossing* (2002), Virtual Console (Wii: 2007, Wii U: 2014-2015), and Nintendo Switch Online (2024). ## Why Play Donkey Kong Jr. Math (NES)? *Donkey Kong Jr. Math* blends platforming with math puzzles, where Donkey Kong Jr. climbs vines to collect numbers and symbols (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to match a number on Donkey Kong’s sign. Calculate A (1-2 players) starts with zero, building equations to reach the target (e.g., for 72: 5×9-3=42, 42+30=72). Calculate B adds negative numbers and starts with a base value. +-×÷ Exercise (single-player) involves solving fixed equations by selecting digits. Gameplay lasts 10-30 minutes per mode, with two-player races adding competition (Player 2 controls a pink Donkey Kong Jr.). Its novel concept and cute animations appeal to collectors and younger players, but slow movement, limited stage variety, and basic presentation disappointed critics (*GameSpot*: “too easy or boring”). X posts note its two-player mode as a highlight for math battles, though it’s niche. ## Key Features - Play as Donkey Kong Jr. (or pink Jr. in two-player) across 3 modes - Solve math puzzles using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division - Calculate A/B: Collect numbers/symbols on vines to match Donkey Kong’s target - +-×÷ Exercise: Solve fixed equations by climbing chains for digits - Two-player competitive mode; no continues, high-score focus - Experience authentic NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform, Switch Online, or Virtual Console ## Key Differences: NES vs. Other Versions - **NES/Famicom (1983/1986)**: Core game with 3 modes, reusing *Donkey Kong Jr.* sprites and mechanics; Japan’s Famicom version launched with a Sharp C1 Famicom TV multicart (*Donkey Kong Jr. + Jr. Sansū Lesson*). - **GameCube (*Animal Crossing*, 2002)**: Playable via in-game NES console; obtained via Tom Nook code - **Virtual Console (Wii: 2007, Wii U: 2014-2015)**: Faithful emulation; Wii U version slightly enhanced (e.g., save states). - **Switch Online (2024)**: Adds online leaderboards, rewind feature; same core game. - **Regional Notes**: No *Probotector*-style changes; identical across regions except Japan’s earlier release and multicart. ## Play Donkey Kong Jr. Math (NES) Online Solve math today! Play *Donkey Kong Jr. Math* instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using NES emulators. Alternatively, enjoy it on Nintendo Switch Online, Virtual Console (Wii, Wii U), or sites like RetroGames.cz or EmulatorGames.net. Physical NES copies cost $50-$150 (cart only) or $200-$400 (CIB) on eBay/Amazon due to rarity. Ideal for retro edutainment fans or *Donkey Kong* collectors! Note: Use Mesen or Nestopia for emulation; Switch Online offers smoother play with rewind. For Calculate A/B, prioritize nearby numbers to speed up equations; in two-player, grab key symbols to block opponents. Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Start your math adventure now and outsmart Donkey Kong to forge Jr.’s legacy!