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

Nintendo is fully embracing the redesigned Donkey Kong, first glimpsed by fans in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal. For years, Donkey Kong’s design remained consistent across various titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, Nintendo is now shifting to a new look, reminiscent of the character's appearance in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Initially seen only in Mario Kart 9, this revamped Donkey Kong design is now featured on a range of new 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."

The merchandise showcases a friendlier Donkey Kong, notably with a softened brow. Online reactions are mixed. Some commenters compare the change to the "Kirby treatment," suggesting a shift from an angry to a more relaxed demeanor. While some express nostalgia for the classic furrowed brow, others welcome the goofier, less aggressive look.

The Mario Kart 9 appearance offered only brief glimpses of the redesigned Donkey Kong. A more comprehensive look is expected in April during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2.

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