The Super Mario Bros. Movie Appears to Have Influenced a Major Mario Kart 9 Character's Redesign

Nintendo's recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 has sparked excitement, but one character's makeover is particularly noteworthy: Donkey Kong. His new design, subtly revealed in the trailer, bears a striking resemblance to his appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The trailer showcased numerous characters, most looking familiar. However, Donkey Kong's significantly altered appearance stands out. His design has remained consistent for years, appearing unchanged in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. The movie, however, introduced a revamped look, a design Nintendo seems to be integrating into its games.

The brief glimpse of Donkey Kong in the Mario Kart 9 trailer doesn't allow for a detailed comparison. However, the differences are already apparent. A more thorough side-by-side analysis will likely be possible after the April Nintendo Direct, an event showcasing the Nintendo Switch 2. The console reveal trailer offered only a few glimpses of the new hardware, emphasizing its visual design. It did confirm backward compatibility, a new button on the Joy-Cons, and the controller's potential use as a mouse.

While a 2025 release window is given, the Nintendo Switch 2's arrival is more likely in June or later, considering numerous hands-on events are planned globally, with registration opening shortly.