Nintendo is fully embracing the redesigned Donkey Kong, first glimpsed by fans in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay shown during the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal. Donkey Kong's iconic design, unchanged for decades and featured in games like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, is getting a major overhaul. This new look bears a striking resemblance to the character's appearance in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
While initially seen only in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has now unveiled a line of Donkey Kong merchandise showcasing this redesigned character. 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, notably softening his previously furrowed brow. Online comments reflect a mixed reaction. Some users compare the change to the "Kirby treatment," suggesting a shift from angry to chill. Others express nostalgia for the original design, appreciating its blend of kindness and strength. However, many fans are accepting of the new, goofier appearance, believing it aligns with a less aggressive aesthetic.
This merchandise offers the most comprehensive view of the redesign since the brief Mario Kart 9 appearance. A more detailed look at the new Donkey Kong in action is expected in April during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer offered limited details about the console itself, primarily focusing on its visual design. However, it did confirm backward compatibility, showcase a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and seemingly validate theories regarding the controller's use as a mouse.
