"Mario Kart 9 Character Redesign Inspired by Super Mario Bros. Movie"

Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, and with it comes the much-anticipated Mario Kart 9. Fans were quick to spot a significant redesign of one character, seemingly inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The trailer showcased over a dozen characters, but it was Donkey Kong who caught everyone's attention with his new look.

For years, even decades, Donkey Kong's design has remained consistent across various games like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, the blockbuster success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced a fresh take on his appearance, which Nintendo now seems eager to integrate into its gaming lineup.

Only a fleeting glimpse of Mario Kart 9 was shared, with Donkey Kong making brief appearances that weren't particularly clear. It will be some time before fans can fully compare the new designs side by side, but the difference is already striking.

More details are expected to emerge in April during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. The console reveal trailer offered just a few teasers of the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing primarily on its aesthetics. It confirmed that the hardware is largely backwards compatible, introduced a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and validated a theory about using the controller as a mouse.

While the release window for the Nintendo Switch 2 is set for 2025, it's unlikely to hit the market before June at the earliest. This is due to numerous hands-on events scheduled worldwide, with registration opening soon.