Blue Puzzle
1982 TOPPS DONKEY KONG
Released in 1982, Topps transformed Nintendo's arcade phenomenon into one of the earliest video game trading-card releases. The set features 32 full-color sticker cards, 4 scratch-off game pieces, and two large puzzle images hidden across the sticker backs. Originally sold in wax packs containing three stickers, three scratch-off game pieces, and a stick of bubble gum, the release blended collectible artwork with interactive gameplay, creating one of the most distinctive video game collectibles of the early 1980s.
Begin your tour with four featured pieces from the 1982 Topps Donkey Kong collection
THE PUZZLES
Red Puzzle
SCRATCH-OFFS
The complete 32-card sticker collection
ABOUT
A look back at one of the earliest video game trading card sets ever produced
Released by Topps in 1982, the Donkey Kong sticker set celebrated Nintendo's arcade blockbuster just as the game was becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Long before dedicated video game trading cards became common, Topps combined colorful character stickers, interactive scratch-off game cards, and bubble gum into a collectible that perfectly captured the excitement of the arcade era.
The complete release consists of 36 collectibles: 32 sticker cards and 4 scratch-off game card varieties. The backs of the 32 stickers combine to form two large puzzle images, encouraging collectors to assemble the complete set while enjoying the artwork on both sides. Unlike many trading card releases of the era, the stickers are unnumbered, making complete sets more challenging to assemble.
Each original wax pack contained 3 sticker cards, 3 scratch-off game cards, and one stick of bubble gum. The scratch-off cards featured simple games inspired by the four stages of the original arcade game, while the stickers showcased colorful artwork and memorable Donkey Kong-themed captions.
Because Topps never released an official numbering system and relatively little production information has survived, details such as total print quantities and case configurations remain largely undocumented today. Original unopened display boxes and factory cases are considerably rarer than individual cards, making them highly sought after by collectors. This archive is dedicated to preserving the history of the set through high-resolution front and back scans, accurate checklist information, and historical research for collectors and Nintendo enthusiasts alike.