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

Nintendo's full commitment to the Donkey Kong redesign, initially glimpsed by fans in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling, is undeniable.

For years, even decades, Donkey Kong's design remained consistent, featuring in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, Nintendo is now embracing a new aesthetic, reminiscent of the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

While the revamped Donkey Kong was initially only seen in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has now showcased a line of merchandise featuring this redesigned character. As highlighted by Nintendo Life, Reddit user cookiemaster221 shared images of these products, commenting, "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes."

History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes
by u/cookiemaster221 in donkeykong

.reddit-embed-wrapper iframe { margin-left: 0 !important; }

The merchandise reveals a potentially friendlier Donkey Kong, his previously furrowed brow now softened. Online comments reflect a mixed reaction. Some users compare the change to a "reverse Kirby treatment," noting the shift from an angry to a more relaxed demeanor. Others express nostalgia for the original, more intense expression. However, many find the new look acceptable, suggesting it aims for a more playful and less aggressive appearance.

This merchandise provides a clearer view of the redesign than the brief, somewhat obscured appearances in the Mario Kart 9 footage. A more comprehensive look at the new Donkey Kong in action is anticipated in April, during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2.

The Switch 2 reveal trailer, while primarily showcasing the console's appearance, offered a few key details: largely backward compatibility, a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and confirmation of a theory regarding mouse functionality via the controller.