Nintendo Revamps Donkey Kong for Switch 2, Mario Kart 9

Nintendo is fully embracing the redesigned Donkey Kong, first glimpsed by fans in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal. Donkey Kong's iconic design, unchanged for decades and featured in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, is getting a significant makeover. Many believe the new look is reminiscent of the character's appearance in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

While initially only seen in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has unveiled a line of Donkey Kong merchandise featuring this redesigned character. As reported 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 replacing his previously furrowed expression. Reddit comments reflect a mixed reaction. Some users compare the change to a "Kirby treatment in reverse," noting the shift from angry to more relaxed. Others express nostalgia for the original design, highlighting the previous brow's contribution to Donkey Kong's simultaneously kind and strong persona. However, several fans express approval, suggesting the redesign aims for a goofier, less aggressive appearance.

This merchandise provides a more detailed look at the redesign than the brief appearances in Mario Kart 9. A more comprehensive unveiling of the new Donkey Kong in action is expected in April during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2.

The Switch 2 reveal trailer offered limited details about the console itself, primarily focusing on its visual design. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, showcased a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and seemingly validated theories about using the controller as a mouse.