Donkey Kong Revamped in Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9

Nintendo's significant redesign of Donkey Kong, initially glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, is now confirmed across a range of merchandise. This marks a departure from Donkey Kong's decades-long consistent design, seen in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. The new look, reminiscent of the character's portrayal in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has sparked considerable fan discussion.

Reddit user cookiemaster221 shared images of the new merchandise, prompting comments like "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes." The redesign features a noticeably softer appearance, particularly a less furrowed brow. Some commenters compared it to a "reverse Kirby treatment," transforming Donkey Kong from a gruff to a more relaxed character.

While opinions are divided, with some expressing nostalgia for the original design and its blend of kindness and strength, others find the new look "goofy" and less aggressive. The Mario Kart 9 footage offered only brief, unclear views of the redesigned Donkey Kong; however, a more comprehensive look is anticipated in April's Nintendo Direct, specifically focused on the Switch 2.

That same reveal trailer, while primarily showcasing the Switch 2's aesthetics, confirmed key features: backward compatibility with existing Switch games, a new, mysterious button on the Joy-Cons, and the controller's functionality as a mouse, validating a pre-existing fan theory.