Mario Kart 9 Reveals Donkey Kong Redesign for Nintendo Switch 2: Developer Insights and Fan Reactions

Nintendo fans received a surge of excitement during the recent Nintendo Switch 2 reveal trailer, which appeared to offer the world’s first official glimpse at Mario Kart 9.

While series veterans may have recognized the high-octane kart racing action, many quickly honed in on another standout feature: Donkey Kong’s prominent new visual design.

The character, a mainstay of both the Donkey Kong and Super Mario series, appears with updated styling that departs from his familiar look established during the Donkey Kong Country era.

This fresh presentation triggered lively discussion among the community, with many describing it as a significant redesign.

Kevin Bayliss, renowned artist and former member of Rare who originally helped craft Donkey Kong’s modern appearance in Donkey Kong Country, addressed the changes directly.

Responding to a fan video by YouTube creator 'LUIZ do Comercial,' Bayliss commented on the evolution, stating, "Change is always happening, and that's a good thing." He also reflected on the character’s ongoing transformation, adding, "You can take the Kong out of the Country, but you can’t take the Country out of the Kong," highlighting his appreciation for the character’s enduring legacy even amid revision. Bayliss’s remarks echo a broader sentiment within the developer community that iterative character updates are an essential component of keeping franchises fresh and relevant.

Fans, too, appear split yet largely supportive.

According to a recent Nintendo Life poll, nearly half of respondents expressed approval of Donkey Kong’s new look in the Mario Kart 9 trailer, signifying a positive initial reception as the Switch 2 approaches launch. It’s worth noting that Donkey Kong’s redesign occurs just after the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, an enhanced version of the popular platformer originally developed by Texas-based Retro Studios—also known for their acclaimed work on the Metroid Prime series.

The graphical update for Mario Kart 9’s Donkey Kong therefore marks a continuation of Nintendo’s ongoing efforts to revisit and refine its most iconic gaming personalities for new hardware generations like the Switch 2. Over the decades, creative leads such as Shigeru Miyamoto and Shigehisa Nakaue have each left an imprint on Donkey Kong’s character.

The latest redesign for Mario Kart 9 signals Nintendo’s commitment to balancing nostalgia with innovation, ensuring classic figures remain relevant for both longstanding fans and new audiences. Nintendo has not announced a specific release date for Mario Kart 9 on Switch 2; however, the buzz generated by its teaser has cemented it as a highly anticipated addition to the upcoming eShop lineup.

With ongoing developer engagement and strong fan interest, Donkey Kong’s updated design is poised to become the next chapter in a storied franchise, reaffirming Nintendo’s legacy of innovation in character design and game development.

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