Nintendo's significant overhaul of Donkey Kong's design, initially glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling, is now confirmed across multiple platforms.
Donkey Kong's iconic, decades-old design, featured in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, is getting a major refresh. This new look, reminiscent of the character's appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has sparked considerable discussion among fans.
While initially only seen in the Mario Kart 9 footage, Nintendo has now showcased the redesigned Donkey Kong across a range of merchandise. As highlighted by Nintendo Life, Reddit user cookiemaster221 shared images of these products, commenting, "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes."
The merchandise reveals a friendlier Donkey Kong, with his characteristic furrowed brow softened and rounded. Online comments reflect a mixed reaction. Some users express nostalgia for the original design, highlighting the previous portrayal of both strength and kindness. Others welcome the change, suggesting the new look aims for a more playful, less aggressive aesthetic. One commenter noted the transformation as a reverse "Kirby treatment," shifting from angry to relaxed.
This merchandise provides a clearer view of the redesign than the brief, somewhat indistinct appearances in the Mario Kart 9 trailer. A more comprehensive showcase of the new Donkey Kong in action is anticipated during Nintendo's April Switch 2-focused Nintendo Direct.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer itself offered limited details about the console's features, primarily focusing on its visual design. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, showcased a new, mysterious button on the Joy-Cons, and validated existing theories about using the controller as a mouse. The focus on the visual aspects suggests a strong emphasis on the console's aesthetic appeal.
