Donkey Kong Gets a Fresh Look in New Mario Kart—Exclusive DK Merchandise Hits My Nintendo Store

Donkey Kong, one of Nintendo’s most iconic characters, is making waves with a fresh redesign in the upcoming Mario Kart title, set to debut on the Nintendo Switch and future Nintendo platforms.

This visual overhaul has ignited vibrant discussion across the Donkey Kong and broader Nintendo community, as fans react to the new artistic direction for the legendary character.

In tandem with Donkey Kong’s updated appearance, Nintendo has expanded its official merchandise lineup with exclusive DK-themed items now available through the My Nintendo Store in various regions. The newly launched Donkey Kong-inspired merchandise includes a collection of charm straps featuring DK and Diddy Kong.

Priced at $7.99 in the US and £12.99 in the UK, these accessories capture the spirit of the series with playful designs and customization options.

As described by Nintendo, each charm strap highlights Donkey Kong accompanied by his signature bananas.

The straps are crafted with practical features, such as a top clasp and bottom ring, allowing fans to combine multiple charms for personalized configurations.

In Japan, the official Nintendo online store has further expanded the collection with bookmarks, pencil cases, and an assortment of other Donkey Kong-themed products, providing collectors and long-time supporters with new ways to celebrate the beloved franchise. Donkey Kong’s redesign is more than just a cosmetic update—it underscores Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to refreshing its most prominent characters for new audiences.

Polling among fans, as reported by Nintendo Life, indicates that nearly half of surveyed players are supportive of DK’s new look, signaling positive reception for the franchise’s direction on both the current Nintendo Switch and the highly anticipated Switch successor.

Esteemed Donkey Kong Country artist Kevin Bayliss also shared his perspective on the redesign, lending further credibility to the creative choices guiding the character’s evolution. Since first debuting in the arcade classic 'Donkey Kong' in 1981, the character has been pivotal to Nintendo’s identity, appearing in celebrated series like Donkey Kong Country and the ever-popular Mario Kart franchise.

The release of new merchandise coincides with a resurgence of interest, as the Donkey Kong brand continues to thrive through consistent sales milestones, innovative game design, and a broad multimedia presence. Fans interested in the latest Donkey Kong merchandise can browse offerings via the My Nintendo Store or regional Nintendo outlets.

Items may differ by country, but the quality and spirit of the DK legacy remain a unifying theme.

As Nintendo continues to spotlight its flagship characters through both games and exclusive memorabilia, Donkey Kong stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and creative reinvention that define the company’s approach.

For more information about Donkey Kong’s appearance in the upcoming Mario Kart and to participate in community discussions, readers can visit trusted sources such as Nintendo Life and official Nintendo channels.

Mario Kart Donkey Kong Nintendo Mario My Nintendo Store My Nintendo Nintendo Store Kart