Nintendo is shaking things up with Donkey Kong’s new look, which made its first appearance in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 event. Now, with Donkey Kong merchandise hitting the shelves, it’s clear Nintendo is fully embracing a fresh design for the iconic ape, drawing inspiration from his Super Mario Bros. Movie appearance.
For years, Donkey Kong’s design has remained largely unchanged. Fans have seen him in titles like Mario Kart 8, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Mario Tennis, always with his familiar look. However, the new version features a friendlier appearance with a softer expression, including a less furrowed brow. This gives him a more approachable, laid-back vibe, and some fans are comparing it to how Kirby’s expressions have evolved over time.
The best view of the redesign came from Mario Kart 9 footage, where Donkey Kong made a brief appearance. However, the new wave of Donkey Kong-themed merchandise has confirmed that this change is here to stay. Reactions from fans have been mixed. Some miss his classic expression, while others appreciate the updated, playful look.
Nintendo will likely reveal more of Donkey Kong’s new design in April’s rumored Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2. This event is expected to showcase extended footage of Mario Kart 9 and other upcoming titles. The Switch 2 reveal trailer already teased exciting hardware updates, such as backward compatibility, a new Joy-Con button, and potentially mouse-like functionality.
With all the excitement around Mario Kart 9, the Switch 2’s new features, and Donkey Kong’s revamped look, Nintendo is clearly gearing up for a bold new era. But will fans embrace this modernized version of Donkey Kong? Only time will tell.