Nintendo's significant overhaul of Donkey Kong's design, initially glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, is gaining traction. The character's iconic, decades-old design, featured in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, is undergoing a transformation reminiscent of the design in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
While the updated Donkey Kong design was initially only seen in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has unveiled a line of merchandise showcasing the new look. As highlighted by Nintendo Life, Reddit user cookiemaster221 shared images of 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 comments reflect a mixed reaction. Some users compare the change to a "reverse Kirby treatment," moving from an angry to a more relaxed demeanor. Others express nostalgia for the previous design, appreciating its blend of kindness and strength. However, several fans approve of the new, arguably more playful appearance.
This merchandise provides a clearer view of the redesign than the brief, somewhat indistinct appearances in the Mario Kart 9 trailer. A more comprehensive look at the redesigned Donkey Kong in action is expected in April during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer itself offered limited details about the console's features, primarily focusing on its visual design. However, it confirmed backward compatibility, showcased a new, mysterious button on the Joy-Cons, and validated a previously circulating theory regarding mouse-like controller functionality.
