Nintendo's significant revamp of Donkey Kong, initially glimpsed in the Mario Kart 9 gameplay showcased during the Nintendo Switch 2 unveiling, is now confirmed across a range of merchandise. This marks a departure from the character's decades-long consistent design, seen in titles such as Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. The new look, reminiscent of the design in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, has generated considerable fan discussion.

Images of the new merchandise, shared on Reddit by user cookiemaster221 and highlighted by Nintendo Life, reveal a Donkey Kong with a noticeably softer appearance. His previously furrowed brow is now more rounded, prompting comments comparing the change to a "reverse Kirby treatment"—a shift from angry to more relaxed.

While opinions are divided, with some expressing nostalgia for the original design and its blend of kindness and strength, others find the new look more approachable and "goofy." The limited visibility of the redesign in the Mario Kart 9 trailer has fueled anticipation for a more comprehensive reveal, expected during a Nintendo Direct focused on the Switch 2 in April.

This upcoming Direct is also anticipated to provide further details about the Switch 2 itself, beyond the initial trailer's focus on aesthetics. The trailer hinted at backward compatibility, showcased a new button on the Joy-Cons, and seemingly confirmed the controller's functionality as a mouse.