Donkey Kongs New Look Explained

05/21/2025 Platformer

Nintendo's iconic Donkey Kong has received a significant visual update, and the reasoning behind this change is fascinating. The new design, first glimpsed in a Mario Kart World teaser, bears a striking resemblance to his appearance in the recent Super Mario Bros. movie.

This updated look is not just a cosmetic change; it's a deliberate evolution, according to Shigeru Miyamoto himself. In an interview, Miyamoto explained that the redesign reflects a continuous effort to make Donkey Kong more expressive, leveraging advancements in technology since the original Donkey Kong Country games developed in collaboration with Rare.

From Retro Roots to Modern Expression

Miyamoto highlighted the iterative process, mentioning Jungle Beat as a step in this evolution. The team reevaluated the original Rare design, aiming for a more expressive portrayal that could be achieved with modern capabilities. The Super Mario Bros. movie design ultimately served as a springboard for this new generation of Donkey Kong.

The reception to the redesign has been largely positive. Even former Rare artist Kevin Bayliss, who worked on the original Donkey Kong Country games, expressed his enthusiasm for the change, noting the inherent adaptability of the character.

With the upcoming release of Donkey Kong Bananza for the Switch 2, gamers will soon experience this revitalized Kong in action. Early previews suggest a thrilling and action-packed game, perfectly showcasing the expressive capabilities of the redesigned character. The game is poised to be a must-have title for fans old and new.