Tag Archives: character redesign

Donkey Kong’s New Look: A Sign of Things to Come?

Nintendo’s recent unveiling of the Switch 2 brought with it a fresh design for Donkey Kong in the upcoming Mario Kart 9. This updated appearance, featuring a more relaxed and cheerful demeanour, has now extended beyond the game.

The official My Nintendo Store has introduced merchandise showcasing this friendlier version of the iconic ape, suggesting that this redesign is here to stay.  

Credit: Nintendo Store

The shift in Donkey Kong’s look has sparked discussions among fans. Some appreciate the softer, more approachable design, while others miss the classic, more intense expression. Kevin Bayliss, the original designer from the Donkey Kong Country era, supports the change, noting that the previous design limited the character’s range of expressions.  

Nintendo’s recent unveiling of the Switch 2 brought with it a fresh design for Donkey Kong in the upcoming Mario Kart 9. This updated appearance, featuring a more relaxed and cheerful demeanor, has now extended beyond the game. The official My Nintendo Store has introduced merchandise showcasing this friendlier version of the iconic ape, suggesting that this redesign is here to stay.  The shift in Donkey Kong’s look has sparked discussions among fans. Some appreciate the softer, more approachable design, while others miss the classic, more intense expression. Kevin Bayliss, the original designer from the Donkey Kong Country era, supports the change, noting that the previous design limited the character’s range of expressions.  This evolution in Donkey Kong’s appearance aligns with Nintendo’s broader strategy of updating character designs to appeal to a wider audience. As the Switch 2 era begins, it will be interesting to see how this and other character redesigns influence the gaming landscape. Protect your collection with RetroShell’s premium game display protectors, and stay updated with retro gaming news by subscribing to the Retro Gaming Weekly Substack.

This evolution in Donkey Kong’s appearance aligns with Nintendo’s broader strategy of updating character designs to appeal to a wider audience. As the Switch 2 era begins, it will be interesting to see how this and other character redesigns influence the gaming landscape.

Protect your collection with RetroShell’s premium game display protectors, and stay updated with retro gaming news by subscribing to the Retro Gaming Weekly Substack.