Mario Kart 9 Character Redesign Inspired by Super Mario Bros. Movie

Nintendo has unveiled the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and with it, the eagerly awaited Mario Kart 9. Fans were quick to notice that one character in particular has undergone a significant redesign, seemingly inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The trailer showcased over a dozen characters, but it was Donkey Kong who caught everyone's attention with his new look.

For years, even decades, Donkey Kong's design has remained consistent across various games such as Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, the blockbuster success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie introduced a fresh take on his appearance, and it seems Nintendo is keen on integrating this new design into their latest games.

Although only a brief glimpse of Mario Kart 9 was shared, and Donkey Kong appeared in just a few scenes, it's clear that his design has been notably altered. Fans will have to wait until the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct in April for a more detailed look and side-by-side comparisons.

The console reveal trailer provided tantalizing hints about the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing primarily on its aesthetics. It confirmed that the hardware is mostly backwards compatible, introduced a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and validated theories about using the controller as a mouse.

While a 2025 release window was announced for the Nintendo Switch 2, it's unlikely to hit the market before June at the earliest. This is due to numerous hands-on events scheduled worldwide, with registration opening very soon.