Nintendo Unveils Donkey Kong Redesign, Dividing Fans

The updated look, first seen in Mario Kart 9 footage, is now appearing across official merchandise, sparking mixed reactions from the gaming community.

• Donkey Kong's new design features a softer expression, darker fur, and a reduced brow, giving the character a friendlier appearance.
• The redesign was initially revealed in Mario Kart 9 promotional material for the Nintendo Switch 2 and has since appeared on merchandise in Nintendo's Japanese store.
• Fans are divided over the changes, with some appreciating the increased range of facial expressions while others lament the loss of the character's iconic furrowed brow.
• Speculation suggests the redesign might align with a broader strategy for Donkey Kong's role in future games, though Nintendo has not officially confirmed this.
• The redesign reflects influences from Donkey Kong's appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with its creator, Kevin Bayliss, expressing support for the update.

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