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

Nintendo has finally unveiled the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, and alongside it, the exciting release of Mario Kart 9. Fans were quick to spot a significant redesign of one beloved character, seemingly inspired by The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The trailer showcased over a dozen characters, and while most retained their familiar appearances, Donkey Kong caught everyone's eye with a striking new look. For years, even decades, Donkey Kong's design has remained consistent across various games like 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, which Nintendo now appears to be integrating into its latest titles.

Mario Kart 9's trailer offered only a fleeting glimpse of the game, with Donkey Kong appearing briefly and not in great detail. As such, a comprehensive comparison of his new design will have to wait. Fans can look forward to a more detailed reveal during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct in April. This event promises to showcase more of the console's capabilities and the new games accompanying its launch.

The console reveal trailer teased a few features of the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing primarily on its design. It confirmed that the hardware will be mostly backwards compatible, and the Joy-Cons now feature an intriguing new button. There's also a strong indication that the controller can be used as a mouse, supporting a popular theory among fans.

While the release window for the Nintendo Switch 2 is set for 2025, it's likely that the console won't hit the market until June at the earliest. This delay is due to numerous hands-on events scheduled worldwide, with registration for these events opening soon.