Nintendo's overhaul of Donkey Kong's design, initially glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, is gaining momentum. The iconic ape, sporting the same look for decades across titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, is getting a significant makeover. Many believe the new design mirrors the successful aesthetic of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
While the updated Donkey Kong design was first seen in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has now unveiled merchandise featuring the redesigned character. 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 users compare the change to a "reverse Kirby treatment," moving from an angry to a more relaxed expression. While some lament the loss of his signature furrowed brow, others appreciate the new, arguably goofier, less aggressive appearance.
This merchandise offers a clearer view of the redesign than the brief, somewhat blurry appearances in the Mario Kart 9 trailer. A more comprehensive look at the new Donkey Kong in action is expected in April during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer itself provided limited details about the console's features, primarily showcasing its visual design. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, a new, mysterious button on the Joy-Cons, and the validity of a theory regarding controller-as-mouse functionality.
