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 look, unchanged for decades and featured in titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns, is getting a significant makeover. Many believe the new design resembles the character's appearance in the highly successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
While initially only seen in Mario Kart 9, Nintendo has unveiled a line of Donkey Kong merchandise showcasing this updated design. 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 with a softened brow replacing his previously furrowed expression. Online comments reflect a mixed reaction. Some users compare the change to the "Kirby treatment," noting a shift from angry to more relaxed. Others express nostalgia for the original design, highlighting its ability to convey both kindness and strength. However, several fans approve of the new, arguably "goofier" look.
The merchandise provides a clearer view of the redesign than the brief appearances in the Mario Kart 9 trailer. A more extensive look at the redesigned Donkey Kong in action is anticipated in April during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2.
That reveal trailer offered only a few glimpses of the Switch 2's capabilities, concentrating primarily on its aesthetics. However, it confirmed backward compatibility, showcased a new, mysterious button on the Joy-Cons, and seemingly validated a theory about using the controller as a mouse.
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