Nintendo Revamps Donkey Kong for Switch 2, Mario Kart 9

Nintendo's significant redesign of Donkey Kong, first glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown 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 appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has sparked considerable discussion among fans.

Reddit user cookiemaster221 shared images of the new merchandise, prompting comments like "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes." The redesign softens Donkey Kong's appearance, notably rounding out his previously furrowed brow. Some commenters likened the change to a "reverse Kirby treatment," shifting his demeanor from stern to more relaxed.

While opinions are divided, with some expressing nostalgia for the classic design and its implied blend of kindness and strength, others find the new look more approachable and "goofy." The merchandise offers the clearest view of the redesign yet, surpassing the brief and somewhat unclear 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 in April.

The Switch 2 reveal trailer, while primarily showcasing the console's aesthetic, offered additional details. It confirmed largely backwards compatibility, highlighted a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and validated fan theories regarding the controller's potential use as a mouse.