Nintendo Goes All In on Donkey Kong Redesign Seen in Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 First Look

Nintendo is wholeheartedly embracing a redesigned Donkey Kong, first glimpsed by fans in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal. For years, Donkey Kong's design remained consistent across various titles, including Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, Nintendo is now shifting towards a new aesthetic, reminiscent of the popular The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Initially seen only in Mario Kart 9, this revamped Donkey Kong has now made an appearance in a range of newly revealed merchandise. As highlighted by Nintendo Life, Reddit user cookiemaster221 shared images of these products, commenting, "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes."

These products reveal a Donkey Kong with a noticeably friendlier appearance. His previously furrowed brow is now softened and rounded. Online commenters have noted the change, with some comparing it to a "reverse Kirby treatment," moving from angry to chill. While some fans express nostalgia for the classic design, others welcome the new, goofier look, suggesting it aims for a less aggressive, more approachable character.

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

The Switch 2 reveal trailer itself offered limited details about the console's features, primarily focusing on its visual design. However, it confirmed backward compatibility, showcased a new, mysterious button on the Joy-Cons, and validated a fan theory about using the controller as a mouse.