In the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct on July 14, 2025,Nintendo unveiled Donkey Kong Bananza, showcasing a refreshed design for the iconic character.This new look has garnered attention, notably receiving approval from Kevin Bayliss, one of the original artists behind Donkey Kong’s design in theDonkey Kong Countryseries.
A Nod to the Past with Modern Flair
The redesigned Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza hearkens back to his classic appearance, whilst featuring a more approachable and expressive demeanor. His rounder facial features, slightly shorter stature and refined fur texture give him a more animated and lively look.This update aligns with Nintendo’s recent trend of modernizing character designs while still staying true to their roots, as seen in TheSuper Mario Bros.Movie. While similarities exist between the movie’s portrayal and the new game design, both seem to be independent reimaginings rooted in the original concept of Donkey Kong, rather than a direct continuation of the Donkey Kong Country aesthetic.
The redesigned Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Bananza hearkens back to his classic appearance
The primary motivation behind this redesign appears to be enhancing the character’s expressiveness, allowing for a more engaging player experience. In the reveal trailer, Donkey Kong exhibits a wide range of exaggerated facial expressions and fluid movements, reinforcing a playful and energetic personality. This increased expressiveness may suggest that Donkey Kong Bananza will emphasize humor and personality-driven storytelling, much like other modern Nintendo platformers.
Consistency Across Nintendo Titles
Observant fans first noticed this updated Donkey Kong design during the initial Switch 2 reveal in January, where a clip fromMario Kart Worldfeatured the character’s new look. At the time, speculation ran wild, with many wondering if this was an isolated redesign for Mario Kart or a sign of a larger shift for the character.Now, with the reveal of Donkey Kong Bananza, it’s evident that Nintendo is aiming for a more unified and standardized look for Donkey Kong across multiple titles.
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This approach is not uncommon for Nintendo, as the company has previously made subtle adjustments to characters like Mario and Luigi to ensure visual consistency across games.By adopting a more standardized design, Donkey Kong can seamlessly fit into various Nintendo projects while still allowing each game to present him in its unique style.The decision also ensures that Donkey Kong remains instantly recognizable to both long-time fans and newcomers who may have been introduced to the character through recent media like The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Endorsement from the Original DKC Artist
Kevin Bayliss, who played a pivotal role in crafting Donkey Kong’s look for the Donkey Kong Country series, has expressed his support for the new design. In a recent tweet, Bayliss remarked,
“It’s still DK, only better looking. People need to embrace change more! All good things get better with age (I would say that though - since I’ve been doing this for almost 40 years now) Everyone give a big warm welcome for the new DK!”
His endorsement bridges the gap between the character’s storied past and its evolving future, reinforcing the idea that change, when rooted in respect for original artistry, can be a positive force in character development.
Bayliss' approval may come as a relief to fans who were initially skeptical about the design shift.While the Rare-developed Donkey Kong Country series has a deeply loyal following, Nintendo’s decision to evolve Donkey Kong’s look rather than strictly adhering to Rare’s interpretation shows a balance between innovation and nostalgia. Given Bayliss' history with the character, his positive reaction suggests that the new design successfully captures the essence of Donkey Kong while giving him a fresh, modern twist.
In conclusion, the unveiling of Donkey Kong’s new design in Donkey Kong Bananza signifies Nintendo’s commitment to blending nostalgia with modernity. The approval from Kevin Bayliss further validates this direction, suggesting that the beloved character is set to embark on a new era that honors his legacy while embracing contemporary design sensibilities.
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