Nintendo has finally unveiled the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and with it comes the exciting reveal of Mario Kart 9. Fans were quick to spot a significant redesign of one character, seemingly inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The trailer showcased over a dozen characters, but it was Donkey Kong who caught everyone's attention with his new look.
For years, even decades, Donkey Kong's design has remained consistent across various games like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced a fresh take on the character, and it appears Nintendo is now integrating this new design into its games.
While the Mario Kart 9 trailer offered only a fleeting glimpse, Donkey Kong appeared in a few scenes, albeit not very clearly. A more detailed comparison of the designs will likely be available in April during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. Although the trailer focused primarily on the console's aesthetics, it did provide some intriguing hints about the Nintendo Switch 2, including its backward compatibility, a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and the possibility of using the controller as a mouse.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for a 2025 release, with the earliest possible launch being in June. This timeline aligns with the numerous hands-on events scheduled worldwide, for which registration will open soon.
