Nintendo's recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 has sparked discussion among fans, particularly regarding Donkey Kong's redesigned appearance. The character's new look seems heavily influenced by his portrayal in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
While the Mario Kart 9 trailer showcased numerous characters, most appearing unchanged, Donkey Kong's noticeably different design stands out. His appearance has remained consistent across various titles for years, including Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, The Super Mario Bros. Movie's successful reimagining of the character has seemingly inspired Nintendo to update his in-game design.
The brief glimpse of Donkey Kong in the Mario Kart 9 trailer doesn't allow for a detailed comparison, but the differences are already apparent. A more thorough comparison will likely be possible following the April Nintendo Direct, which is expected to showcase the Nintendo Switch 2 more extensively. The console reveal trailer offered limited details about the Switch 2, focusing primarily on its aesthetics. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, a new button on the Joy-Cons, and the controller's potential use as a mouse.
Although a 2025 release window has been given, the Nintendo Switch 2 is unlikely to launch before June, given the numerous planned hands-on events worldwide, with registration opening shortly.