Mario Kart Character Update Emerges Following Movie "Confluence"

Nintendo's recent reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Mario Kart 9 has sparked discussion among fans, particularly regarding Donkey Kong's redesigned appearance. The character's new look seems heavily influenced by his portrayal in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

While many characters in the Mario Kart 9 trailer appeared unchanged, Donkey Kong's noticeably different design stands out. His appearance has remained consistent across numerous titles for years, including Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, the film's successful reimagining of the character appears to have inspired Nintendo to update his in-game design.

The Mario Kart 9 trailer offered only fleeting glimpses of Donkey Kong, making a thorough comparison difficult. However, the differences are already apparent. A more detailed side-by-side comparison will likely be possible following a planned April Nintendo Direct showcasing the Nintendo Switch 2. This event will also provide further insight into the console itself.

The Switch 2 reveal trailer hinted at several features, including backward compatibility, new Joy-Con buttons, and controller functionality potentially mirroring a mouse. While a 2025 release window was given, the console's actual launch is more likely to occur in June or later, given the upcoming worldwide hands-on events.