Donkey Kong's character is undergoing a redesign, as seen in a recent Nintendo Switch 2 demo reel and on Japanese merchandise. This new look appears to be influenced by his portrayal in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, presenting a softer, rounder appearance with a less pronounced brow, thus allowing for a wider range of emotions. Fans have mixed reactions, with some positively noting that the redesign enhances his expressiveness, potentially moving away from his previously angry demeanor. As of now, only DK's design is confirmed to change, leaving other characters' fates uncertain.
At first I was against the design change, however after looking at it more I agree that it better allows DK to convey facial expressions and emotion. Before DK just kinda always looked angry? The brow reduction allows a greater range of expression and honestly looks pretty good once you get over the initial surprise of the change.
The new design leans more into his appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which eagle-eyed fans have noticed on Nintendo's Japanese merchandise. The brow was scaled back, giving him a sort of kinder, rounder look.
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