Mario Kart 9 Debuts New Donkey Kong Design on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Sparks Discussion with Donkey Kong Redesign in Mario Kart 9 for Switch 2 Nintendo’s recent reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 was accompanied by a much-anticipated sneak peek at Mario Kart 9, marking the first mainline Mario Kart title since the launch of Mario Kart 8 in 2014.

As one of Nintendo’s most celebrated franchises, Mario Kart consistently draws attention with each new installment, and the unveiling of Mario Kart 9 has spurred excitement as well as speculation throughout the gaming industry. At the heart of the reveal, fans quickly noticed a substantial visual change to Donkey Kong’s character model.

While details about Mario Kart 9’s gameplay, release date, and new features remain closely guarded, what stood out in the teaser footage was Donkey Kong’s fresh look, drawing direct inspiration from his early Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and arcade-era appearances.

This approach echoes his design as seen in The Super Mario Bros.

Movie, which embraced a more playful and retro aesthetic compared to the modernized version popularized during the Donkey Kong Country era. This shift in design comes at an interesting time for Donkey Kong as a character.

In 2024, Nintendo released Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for the Nintendo Switch, a remastered version of the acclaimed 2010 Wii platformer originally developed by Retro Studios.

That release retained the dynamic design from the original games—a look originally crafted by Rare in the 1990s that shaped Donkey Kong’s modern identity.

The upcoming Mario Kart 9, however, appears to embrace a more comedic and exaggerated expression for Donkey Kong, hinting at Nintendo’s readiness to refresh legacy characters to align with evolving creative visions. Nintendo has not issued an official statement about the rationale for the updated character design; however, the change has ignited conversation among players and fans.

Community feedback gathered through online polls shows a mix of opinions, with a significant portion of the player base intrigued or supportive of the new retro-inspired design, while others remain nostalgic for the previous, more familiar look. As Mario Kart 9 prepares to usher in a new era on the Nintendo Switch 2, both the updated visual style and the return to classic influences reflect Nintendo’s ongoing commitment to innovation while honoring its rich history.

The company’s ability to balance nostalgia with contemporary appeal continues to keep the franchise—and its beloved characters—at the forefront of the industry.

With the game’s official title and further details yet to be announced, anticipation remains high as fans await more comprehensive showcases in future Nintendo Direct presentations. Stay tuned for updates on Mario Kart 9, Donkey Kong’s evolving character design, and the expansion of the Nintendo Switch 2 library.

Mario Kart Nintendo Switch 2 Donkey Kong Nintendo Mario Switch 2 Switch Mario Kart 9 Kart Nintendo Switch