Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, and with it, the much-anticipated Mario Kart 9. Fans were quick to spot that one character, in particular, has undergone a significant redesign, drawing inspiration from The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The trailer showcased over a dozen characters, yet it was Donkey Kong who caught everyone's attention with his notably different appearance.
For years, even decades, Donkey Kong's design has remained consistent across various games, including Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced a fresh look for the character, which Nintendo now seems eager to integrate into its gaming lineup.
Donkey Kong in Mario Kart 8, the animated film, and Mario Kart 9 (Image Credit: Nintendo)
Although the trailer for Mario Kart 9 offered only a fleeting glimpse, and Donkey Kong appeared in just a few scenes, it's clear his design has evolved. A more detailed comparison will likely be available in April during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. The console reveal trailer teased a few aspects of the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing primarily on its aesthetics. It confirmed that the hardware is mostly backwards compatible, introduced a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and validated a theory about using the controller as a mouse.
While the release window for the Nintendo Switch 2 is set for 2025, it's speculated that the console might not hit the shelves until June at the earliest. This delay is attributed to numerous hands-on events scheduled worldwide, with registration opening soon.
