Nintendo's recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 has sparked discussion among fans, particularly regarding Donkey Kong's redesigned appearance. The character's new look seems heavily influenced by his portrayal in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The trailer showcased numerous characters, most appearing as expected. However, Donkey Kong's noticeably different design stands out. For years, his appearance has remained consistent across titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. The movie, however, introduced a revamped design, which Nintendo now seems to be integrating into its games.
While the Mario Kart 9 trailer offered only fleeting glimpses of Donkey Kong, the differences are already apparent. A more detailed comparison will likely be possible after a closer look at the character's design, potentially during the April Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. This event is anticipated to showcase the console's features more extensively. The reveal trailer hinted at backward compatibility, new Joy-Con buttons, and the possibility of using the controller as a mouse.
Despite a 2025 release window, the Nintendo Switch 2's arrival may be delayed until June or later, due to planned global hands-on events with registration opening shortly.
