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

Nintendo has finally unveiled the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and with it comes the exciting reveal of Mario Kart 9. Fans have been quick to spot a significant redesign of one character in particular, inspired by the recent The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The trailer showcased over a dozen characters, and while most appeared as fans expected, Donkey Kong caught everyone's attention with a striking new look. For years, even decades, Donkey Kong's design has remained consistent across titles like Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis, and Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie prompted a fresh take on his appearance, which Nintendo is now integrating into its games.

Although only a brief glimpse of Mario Kart 9 was shown, and Donkey Kong appeared in just a few scenes, it's clear that his design has undergone a notable transformation. A more detailed comparison will likely be available in April during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct. In the meantime, the console reveal trailer offered a few teasers about the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing mainly on its appearance. It confirmed that the new hardware will be largely 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 speculated that the console might not hit the market until June at the earliest. This delay is due to numerous hands-on events scheduled worldwide, with registration opening soon.