Super Mario Kart 9 Character Redesign Influenced by Movie

Nintendo's recent reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 has sparked discussion among fans, particularly regarding Donkey Kong's redesigned appearance. The trailer showcased numerous characters, but Donkey Kong's noticeably different look immediately caught attention.

His design has remained consistent across various titles for years, including Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced a revamped design, which Nintendo seems to be integrating into its games.

While the Mario Kart 9 trailer offered only fleeting glimpses of Donkey Kong, the differences in his design are already apparent. A more detailed comparison will be possible after a closer look, potentially during the April Nintendo Direct for the Nintendo Switch 2. This event will likely provide more information about the console itself, including the new Joy-Con button and the controller's mouse functionality.

Although a 2025 release window has been announced, the Nintendo Switch 2's arrival is more likely to occur in June or later, given the numerous planned hands-on events worldwide.