Nintendo's recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 has sparked considerable fan discussion, particularly regarding Donkey Kong's redesigned appearance, seemingly inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The trailer showcased numerous characters, most appearing as expected. However, Donkey Kong's noticeably different design stands out. His appearance has remained consistent for years, featuring in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. The movie's successful reimagining of his character, however, seems to have influenced Nintendo's latest iteration.
While the Mario Kart 9 trailer offered only fleeting glimpses of Donkey Kong, the differences in his design are already apparent. A more detailed comparison will be possible once higher-resolution images become available. This is likely to occur during the April Nintendo Direct showcasing the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer primarily highlighted the console's aesthetic, hinting at backward compatibility, new Joy-Con buttons, and confirming the controller's potential use as a mouse.
Although a 2025 release window was announced, the Nintendo Switch 2's arrival is more likely to be in June or later, given the numerous planned hands-on events worldwide, with registration opening shortly.
