Nike Goes Ape on the Donkey Kong-Inspired Air Max 1 Poly “Big Head Origins”

Nike’s dotSWOOSH platform is diving deeper into its Low Poly gaming-inspired Air Max 1 series following the success of last year’s debut, which launched with the help of Kai Cenat. With pre-orders for that initial release completed in October and shipments expected to arrive for Air Max Day 2025, Nike is already setting the stage for its next chapter. This time, the Swoosh draws clear inspiration from the pixelated aesthetics of Donkey Kong Country, channeling nostalgic 16-bit visuals into a fresh new colorway.

Officially dubbed the Air Max 1 “Big Head Origins,” the sneaker is packed with playful references to retro gaming. The insoles feature golden coins marked with “DS” for dotSWOOSH, a clever twist on the DK Coins found throughout Donkey Kong Country 2. Additional details include a Low Poly banana icon and a low-resolution logo on the tongue, further reinforcing the sneaker’s connection to one of gaming’s most memorable titles.

Visually, the sneaker blends light brown suede mudguards and quarter panels with a University Red Swoosh and Hem accents, creating a rich, earthy palette reminiscent of jungle-themed levels. The combination of textures and colors brings a vintage feel to the design while maintaining the classic appeal of the Air Max 1.

Nike has yet to announce an official release date for the Air Max 1 “Big Head Origins,” but a Spring/Summer 2025 drop is expected.

Keep an eye on our dedicated Nike Release Dates Calendar for updates.

In other news from the Beaverton-based brand, the Flu Game 12s return next month.