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

Nintendo is wholeheartedly 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, including 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.

While initially seen only in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has unveiled a line of Donkey Kong merchandise featuring this updated design. 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, his previously furrowed brow now softened and rounded. Online commenters have noted the change, with some comparing it to a reverse "Kirby treatment," moving from an angry to a more relaxed demeanor. Reactions are mixed, with some expressing fondness for the classic design and others welcoming the new, arguably goofier, appearance. The prevailing sentiment suggests the redesign aims for a less aggressive, more approachable character.

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

The Switch 2 reveal trailer, while light on gameplay details, offered glimpses of the console's design, confirmed backward compatibility, showcased a new button on the Joy-Cons, and seemingly validated theories about using the controller as a mouse.