Donkey Kong's New Look in Mario Kart for Nintendo Switch 2 Draws Industry Attention

Nintendo continues to shape the future of gaming with the official reveal of its next-generation console, the Nintendo Switch 2.

One of the main highlights of Nintendo’s recent announcement is a fresh entry in the Mario Kart series—an announcement that has reignited the excitement of fans worldwide.

Alongside the anticipated racing title, Nintendo also surprised audiences with a notable redesign for Donkey Kong, the legendary ape who has long been a staple in Nintendo's character lineup. The latest Mario Kart installment for Nintendo Switch 2, previewed in a short teaser, immediately sparked discussions across gaming communities.

Attentive viewers quickly observed that Donkey Kong appeared with a revised visual style, departing from the design established in 1994's Donkey Kong Country by Rare.

For decades, this iconic look has remained relatively unchanged, featured consistently in the Mario Kart series, Donkey Kong games, and crossover appearances.

The new aesthetic draws inspiration from Donkey Kong’s depiction in Illumination’s "Super Mario Bros.

Movie," offering a contemporary spin while echoing his classic roots. Fan response since the reveal has been energetic and, at times, divided.

Humor and creative memes have flooded social media, reflecting opinions that range from nostalgia-driven skepticism to enthusiastic support for the character’s evolution.

Popular clips and parodies, such as those shared by community members like LUIZ do Comercial, underline the strong emotional connection fans have with Donkey Kong and his visual legacy. Industry voices have also weighed in on the update, including Kevin Bayliss, the former Rare designer responsible for Donkey Kong’s pivotal 1990s redesign.

Bayliss reacted to the new model with a positive perspective, remarking that "You can take the KONG out of the Country, but you can’t take the Country out of the Kong! Change is good, and this is truly entertaining!" His endorsement lends significant weight to the creative direction Nintendo has chosen for the Nintendo Switch 2 era. Nintendo’s decision to revisit Donkey Kong’s image underscores the company’s commitment to evolving its intellectual properties for new consoles and audiences while celebrating their storied past.

The new Mario Kart game is poised to be a major showcase for the Switch 2’s capabilities, and the updated Donkey Kong design marks a notable moment in the ongoing journey of one of gaming’s most enduring icons. With the Nintendo Switch 2 and the latest Mario Kart entry on the horizon, fans and industry veterans alike will be watching closely to see how these creative changes shape the next chapter of Nintendo's storied franchises.

Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Donkey Kong Donkey Kong Country Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch Kart Nintendo Switch