Donkey Kong’s New Look Has Fans Fuming

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Nintendo is giving a well-known character a fresh makeover that many are observing. Redesigning characters, particularly those from popular series, can sometimes be difficult for people to accept. Throughout its history, Nintendo has undertaken numerous redesigns, with Mario and Link serving as notable examples. However, these changes were typically due to a new creative direction within specific games featuring Mario and Link. This time, it appears that a classic Mario figure is undergoing a transformation across the entire Nintendo universe rather than for a single title. Following the unveiling of Mario Kart 9 in the first look video of the Nintendo Switch 2, fans have now noticed another instance of the Donkey Kong redesign from an official Nintendo platform.

On the Japanese Nintendo Store site, you’ll find the Donkey Kong Memo & Masking Tape item showcasing the once-gruff gorilla in various shapes. His facial expression is more open, particularly around his eyes, softening Donkey Kong’s traditionally grumpy persona to a less malicious appearance. The character now sports darker fur, a distinctive groove under his nose (a philtrum), and nails, while his companion Diddy Kong remains unchanged in appearance.

Donkey Kong Gets an Official Redesign in New Nintendo Store Product

DK Gets A Model Update, From Nintendo’s Offical Store
byu/Icy-ConcentrationC innintendo

One possibility for this change could be that they aimed to make Donkey Kong appear friendlier, considering his potential growth into a more prominent role in future games. Although two original designs still depict his classic scowl, the new design features an open eye area, allowing for greater facial expressions. A character like Sonic might serve as an example of this range, given their similarities in the eyes.

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Some people might find this adjustment insignificant, but longtime Nintendo enthusiasts aren’t entirely pleased with the redesign. On the r/nintendo subreddit, user Icy-ConcentrationC pointed out the striking difference between the original and revamped designs, commenting on how history appears to be being reshaped right before our eyes. Another user, Wernershnitzl, speculated, “Perhaps they chose to eliminate the brow because they wanted to give him a friendlier appearance for children?

A displeased user voiced their dissatisfaction over the revamped appearance, remarking, “The new brow on Donkey Kong seems to have given him character. It’s upsetting that they removed that distinctive feature. Now he appears like a generic animated ape wearing a tie.” Some commentators argue that this design is a regression, as one user puts it, “He now resembles a poorly-done late 80’s cartoon character.

The revamped, nostalgic aesthetic has won over certain admirers, as numerous individuals appreciate the redesign’s NES-style influence. One user remarks, “I appreciate the new design. As someone who spent hours poring over instruction manuals for NES games, it’s exciting to see Mario and Donkey Kong’s appearances drawing inspiration from that timeless artwork.” Some users question whether this transformation is relevant if it’s exclusively for Mario Kart 9, leading some to ponder the possibility of an upcoming Donkey Kong game.

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Although it may take some time for fans to adapt, Nintendo’s recent revamp might be a short-term adjustment. It’s plausible that the company is experimenting to figure out what resonates with the character. Notably, Diddy Kong hasn’t undergone any redesign yet, which could imply that the alteration might be temporary. For the time being, Donkey Kong will persist in his jungle escapades on Nintendo Switch through Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, a game that debuted on January 16.

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2025-01-29 02:40