Nintendo has unveiled the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and with it, fans have been treated to a sneak peek of Mario Kart 9. Amid the excitement, one character's redesign has captured the attention of the gaming community: Donkey Kong. The beloved character, who has maintained a consistent appearance across various titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns for decades, now sports a fresh look inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The trailer for Mario Kart 9 showcased over a dozen characters, yet it was Donkey Kong's new design that stood out. While the glimpse was brief and the scenes featuring him were not particularly clear, the change is unmistakable. Fans eager for a more detailed comparison will have to wait until the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct in April, which promises a closer look at the upcoming game.
Alongside the reveal of Mario Kart 9, the Nintendo Switch 2 console trailer teased several intriguing features. The hardware is confirmed to be mostly backwards compatible, and the Joy-Cons now include a mysterious new button. There's also a hint that the controller might double as a mouse, confirming a popular theory among fans.
Although the Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for a 2025 release, it's unlikely to hit the shelves before June. This delay is due to numerous hands-on events planned worldwide, with registration opening soon. The anticipation continues to build as gamers await more details and the chance to experience these exciting new developments firsthand.
