The recent reveal of a new Mario Kart game alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 has ignited excitement among fans, but also sparked controversy. While details about the untitled game remain scarce, including a release date, brief gameplay teasers have revealed intriguing features like double the racers compared to Mario Kart 8 and a new item. However, the biggest talking point revolves around a subtle yet divisive change: Donkey Kong’s design.
The updated design, visible in a fleeting background shot, deviates from the Rare-inspired look seen in past Mario Kart titles. This new Donkey Kong bears a closer resemblance to his appearance in the arcade classics and the recent Mario movie. The change has divided the Mario Kart community, with opinions ranging from enthusiastic approval to vehement disapproval.
A Reddit post highlighting the redesign quickly gained traction, showcasing the polarized reactions. Some fans praised the change, embracing the “goofy” and more traditional arcade aesthetic. Others expressed strong dislike, describing the new look as “derpy” and “ugly.” One commenter even speculated that the redesign might hint at a new Donkey Kong game in development.
Interestingly, Donkey Kong appears to be the only character with such a significant design overhaul. While some other characters exhibit minor visual differences, this is expected given the passage of time since the last mainline Mario Kart title, which was released on the Wii U. A decade later, visual updates are anticipated.
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