Original Story (02/15/25): This upcoming Air Max 1 from .SWOOSH, Nike’s line focused on tech and video games, is giving strong Donkey Kong vibes.
Dubbed the Air Max 1 “Big Head Origins,” the design of the shoe undeniably pays homage to the classic video game Donkey Kong Country, originally released in 1994 for the SNES. It features furry brown suede overlays, representing the brown fur of the title character, while red and yellow nod to the game’s logo and the tie Donkey Kong is often seen wearing. The insoles also feature a banana peel and “DS” coins, a Dot Swoosh flip on the collectible DK coins from throughout the Donkey Kong series.
The “Big Head Origins” colorway features the same jagged lines as the first .SWOOSH Air Max 1, the “Low Poly,” inspired by early 3D modeling in video games from the ’90s. Other video game-inspired elements include the coin-shaped Nike Air badges on the heels, the pixelated logos on the tongue tags, and the ESRB rating-inspired logos on the insides of the tongues.
Another gaming-inspired Air Max 1 has also been recently revealed by .SWOOSH, the Tomb Raider-themed Air Max 1 “Adventure,” which requires the completion of a “quest” to unlock access to purchase.
So is Nike making its own video game called “Big Head Origins,” or is Big Head just their nickname for Donkey Kong so they don’t get sued by Nintendo? Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates.
The .SWOOSH Nike Air Max 1 “Big Head Origins” is set to release March 26th on SNKRS. Check out the official images below.
Update (03/10/25): Nike has teamed up with BAIT LA for a .SWOOSH ARCADE experience on March 15th, open from 11am to 2pm. The event features a live raffle for a chance to purchase the “Big Head Origins” Air Max 1 before general release. Those in Los Angeles who wish to attend can RSVP on Nike’s website.
Update (03/17/25): .SWOOSH officially announces the release of the “Big Head Origins” Air Max 1, dropping on SNKRS in the US on March 26th for Air Max Day. A Europe release will follow in April. Check out the trailer below.
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.SWOOSH Nike Air Max 1 “Big Head Origins”
Color: Light Chocolate/University Red-Hemp
Style Code: HV5776-200
Release Date: March 26, 2025 (SNKRS)
Price: $160 USD
Resell: StockX
[…] the reveal of the Donkey Kong-inspired pair, we now have a look at another video game-inspired Nike Air Max 1 from the .SWOOSH […]