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 now confirmed across a range of merchandise. For years, Donkey Kong's appearance remained consistent across titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, Nintendo is embracing a new aesthetic, reminiscent of the character's design in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
While the updated Donkey Kong design was only briefly visible in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo Life highlighted a Reddit post by user cookiemaster221 showcasing newly revealed merchandise featuring the redesigned character. The post, titled "History is being rewritten in front of our very eyes," sparked considerable discussion.
The merchandise reveals a friendlier Donkey Kong, notably softening his previously furrowed brow. Commenters on Reddit offered varied opinions. Some compared the change to Kirby's design philosophy, suggesting a shift from an angry to a more relaxed demeanor. Others expressed nostalgia for the classic, stern expression, appreciating its blend of kindness and strength. However, many welcomed the new, potentially "goofy" and less aggressive look.
The merchandise provides a more detailed view of the redesign than the fleeting appearances in the Mario Kart 9 trailer. A more comprehensive look at the redesigned Donkey Kong in action is anticipated 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 fan speculation regarding the controller's potential use as a mouse.
