Nintendo's recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 has sparked excitement, but one character's makeover has captured particular attention: Donkey Kong. His redesign bears a striking resemblance to his appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The trailer showcased numerous characters, most looking familiar, but Donkey Kong's new look is undeniably distinct. His design has remained consistent for years, appearing in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced a revamped design, which Nintendo seems to be integrating into its games.
While the Mario Kart 9 trailer offered only fleeting glimpses of Donkey Kong, the differences are already apparent. A more detailed comparison will be possible once higher-resolution images and gameplay become available. This is anticipated to happen in April during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.
The Switch 2 reveal trailer focused primarily on aesthetics, but did confirm backward compatibility, a new button on the Joy-Cons, and the potential use of the controller as a mouse.
Despite a 2025 release window, the Nintendo Switch 2 is unlikely to launch before June due to numerous planned hands-on events worldwide. Registration for these events is expected to open shortly.
