Nintendo Tweaks Another Classic Character Post-Donkey Kong Redesign

Nintendo has recently unveiled a fresh take on Diddy Kong's appearance, following the earlier redesign of his iconic companion, Donkey Kong. Earlier this year, fans noticed significant alterations to Donkey Kong's design in official artwork and within initial footage of Mario Kart World.

The new look for Diddy Kong was showcased through artwork on Nintendo's website and at the Licensing Expo 2025, currently underway in Las Vegas. As reported by Nintendo Life, the updated Diddy Kong features a more cartoonish style, characterized by rounded eyes and a cheekier, friendlier smile.

Attendees at the Licensing Expo 2025, an event where brands display their franchises to secure merchandising and partnership opportunities, have the chance to see the revamped Diddy Kong in person. Photos shared by attendee Cptn_Alex on social media highlight the new design.

Image credit: Nintendo.Image credit: Nintendo.

Nintendo has remained silent on the reasons behind the redesigns of Diddy Kong and the earlier changes to Donkey Kong. However, many speculate that these updates align with the characters' appearances in the successful The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Even Princess Peach has undergone a minor redesign. Her appearance on the box art for the Switch game Princess Peach: Showtime! was adjusted to more closely resemble her portrayal in the film, as noted by IGN's sister site, Eurogamer.

Of course this post is popping off lmao. Here’s a better look at the new render :)

via Nintendo booth @ Licensing Expo pic.twitter.com/QzxJOWs9gF

— CptnAlex (@Cptn_Alex) May 20, 2025

Donkey Kong is set to star in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game, Donkey Kong Bananza. Although Diddy Kong's inclusion has not been confirmed, the redesign and the presence of other Kong family members like Cranky Kong suggest a strong possibility. Additionally, with the upcoming sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, tentatively titled Super Mario World, and given Donkey Kong's significant role in the first film along with Diddy Kong's cameo, it's likely that we'll see more of these beloved characters in their updated forms.