Nintendo's significant redesign of Donkey Kong, first glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, is now confirmed across a range of merchandise. This marks a departure from Donkey Kong's decades-long consistent design, seen in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. The new look, reminiscent of the character's portrayal in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has sparked considerable discussion among fans.
Reddit user cookiemaster221 shared images of the new merchandise, prompting comments like "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes." The updated design features a softer, more rounded brow, replacing his previously furrowed expression. Some users compared the change to the "Kirby treatment," noting a shift from an angry to a more relaxed demeanor. While some fans expressed nostalgia for the original design, others welcomed the change, suggesting it might make Donkey Kong appear more playful and less intimidating.
The merchandise offers a clearer view of the redesign than the brief appearances in the Mario Kart 9 trailer. A more comprehensive look at Donkey Kong's new design and role in Mario Kart 9 is anticipated during Nintendo's April Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer itself provided limited details about the console's features, focusing primarily on its aesthetic. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, showcased a new button on the Joy-Cons, and validated speculation about using the controller as a mouse.
