Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, and with it, fans are buzzing about the new Mario Kart 9. One character, in particular, has caught everyone's attention due to a significant redesign, seemingly inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
The trailer showcased over a dozen characters, but it was Donkey Kong who stood out with a fresh 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 new design for the iconic character, which Nintendo now appears to be integrating into its latest games.
Only a fleeting glimpse of Mario Kart 9 was shared, with Donkey Kong making a few brief appearances. Although the scenes weren't particularly clear, it's evident that his new design is a departure from the traditional look. Fans will have to wait until they can see a side-by-side comparison, which is expected to happen during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct in April.
The console reveal trailer hinted at the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing primarily on its aesthetics. It confirmed that the hardware will be mostly backwards compatible, introduced a mysterious new button on the Joy-Cons, and validated the theory that the controller could function as a mouse.
While the release is slated for a 2025 window, the earliest arrival for the Nintendo Switch 2 might be in June. This is due to the numerous hands-on events scheduled worldwide, with registration opening soon.
