Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, and with it comes the highly anticipated Mario Kart 9. Fans are buzzing with excitement, not only about the new console but also about the noticeable redesign of one particular character, Donkey Kong, which seems to be inspired by his appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The trailer for Mario Kart 9 showcased over a dozen characters, and while most appeared as expected, Donkey Kong's new look caught everyone's attention. For years, even decades, Donkey Kong has sported the same iconic design across various games such as Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, his appearance in the blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced a fresh design, which Nintendo has now decided to incorporate into its upcoming titles.
Although the trailer for Mario Kart 9 only provided a brief glimpse of the game, and Donkey Kong appeared in just a few scenes, the difference in his design is already evident. Fans will have to wait until the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct in April for a more detailed look at the new designs and gameplay.
The console reveal trailer also teased some features of the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing primarily on its aesthetics. It confirmed that the new hardware will be mostly backwards compatible, and the Joy-Cons will include a mysterious new button. Additionally, it seems that the theory about using the controller as a mouse is accurate.
While the release window for the Nintendo Switch 2 is set for 2025, it's unlikely to hit the market before June, as Nintendo has planned numerous hands-on events worldwide, with registration opening soon.
