Donkey Kong Redesigned in Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart 9 Unveiled

Nintendo's significant overhaul of Donkey Kong's design, initially glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling, is now confirmed across a range of merchandise.

Donkey Kong's iconic look, unchanged for decades and featured in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, has undergone a transformation. Many believe the new design closely resembles the character's portrayal in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

While the video game redesign was first seen in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has now unveiled merchandise showcasing this updated appearance. As highlighted by Nintendo Life, Reddit user cookiemaster221 shared images of these products, commenting, "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes."

The merchandise reveals a friendlier Donkey Kong, notably with a softened brow. Online commentary reflects a mixed response. Some users compare the change to Kirby's design philosophy, suggesting a shift from angry to relaxed. Others express nostalgia for the original, more serious expression, while others find the new look acceptable, theorizing it aims for a more playful, less intimidating aesthetic.

This merchandise provides a clearer view of the redesign than the brief, somewhat indistinct appearances in the Mario Kart 9 trailer. A more comprehensive look at the redesigned Donkey Kong in action is anticipated during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2, scheduled for April.

The Switch 2 reveal trailer itself offered limited details about the console's features. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, showcased a new button on the Joy-Cons, and validated fan speculation about using the controller as a mouse.