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

Nintendo has officially unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, and with it comes the much-anticipated Mario Kart 9. Fans were quick to spot that one character, in particular, has undergone a significant redesign, seemingly influenced by The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

The trailer showcased over a dozen characters, and while most appeared as expected, Donkey Kong caught everyone's attention with his 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 design for the character, which Nintendo is now integrating into its games.

Although only a fleeting glimpse of Mario Kart 9 was shared, and Donkey Kong appeared in just a few scenes, the redesign is already strikingly noticeable. A more detailed comparison will likely be available in April during the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.

The console reveal trailer hinted at the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing primarily on its appearance. 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 the release is slated for a 2025 window, the Nintendo Switch 2 is not expected to hit the market before June at the earliest. This is due to numerous hands-on events planned worldwide, with registration opening soon.