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

Nintendo's revamped Donkey Kong design, initially glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, is now getting a full rollout. The iconic ape's look, unchanged for decades across titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, has undergone a significant transformation, reminiscent of the character's design in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

While the redesigned Donkey Kong was only briefly seen in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has unveiled a line of merchandise featuring the new look. As highlighted by Nintendo Life, Reddit user cookiemaster221 showcased 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

The merchandise reveals a friendlier Donkey Kong, notably with a softened brow. Online reactions are mixed. Some commenters compare the change to a "reverse Kirby treatment," moving from an angry to a more relaxed demeanor. While some express nostalgia for the original, more serious expression, others find the new design "goofy" and less aggressive, viewing it positively.

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

That reveal trailer offered limited details on the Switch 2's features, primarily focusing on its aesthetic. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, showcased a new, mysterious button on the Joy-Cons, and seemingly validated a theory about using the controller as a mouse.