Super Mario Kart 9 Character Redesign May Stem from Mario Bros. Movie

Nintendo's recent unveiling of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 has sparked discussion among fans, particularly regarding Donkey Kong's striking redesign. The character's appearance seems heavily influenced by his portrayal in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The trailer showcased numerous characters, most looking familiar, but Donkey Kong's revamped design stands out. His appearance has remained consistent for years, across titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced a significant visual change, which Nintendo now appears to be integrating into its games.

While the Mario Kart 9 trailer offered only fleeting glimpses of Donkey Kong, the differences are already apparent. A more detailed comparison will be possible later. A more comprehensive look is anticipated in April during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. This presentation will likely showcase the new console's features in greater detail. The console reveal trailer primarily focused on the Switch 2's aesthetics, confirming backward compatibility, a new Joy-Con button, and the controller's potential use as a mouse.

Although announced with a 2025 release window, the Nintendo Switch 2's launch is more likely to occur in June or later. This is due to numerous hands-on events scheduled worldwide, with registrations opening shortly.