I have had this game for years (I forgot the exact year I got it), and never once was I ever able to beat the Donkey Kong mini game. In fact, I rarely even reach the 3rd level. Is there any good strategy for beating this thing? Also, is the second time harder than the first? Thanks in advance.

The second time is supposedly harder than the first, but the only differences I noticed was ihe first level, DK throws more barrels at you (Not to mention a few thrown right at you, instead of going through the ladders), and in the second level there appears to be more pies on the conveyor belts.

Practice makes perfect. Watch some youtube videos if you think that will help.

It literally took me YEARS i actually bought it when it first came out and just happened to beat the mini game this past year.. what i did was i used the dpad and it was somewhat easier than the joy stick. also beware when you jump too high you die. so becareful on level 3. i thought it was easier the second time to be honest.

Thanks everyone. I finally did it, and now i can beat the game.

it's funny the 1st level is the hardest, and the last level is the easiest at least in my opinion

the elevator level is the hardest by far, because of the finish.
pie factory and last one is easy.
first level I'd never fail at.

but then again I used to play the original DK arcade game. I got both the banana and the Nintendo Coin on the first try. :)