This rumor requires some explanation since it’s not all that straightforward. Earlier this week, Nintendo updated its Nintendo Today! app with a set of new themes based around Donkey Kong characters. Many of the illustrations were based on designs seen in Bananza, which makes sense considering it’s the newest Donkey Kong game. What surprised many fans was the inclusion of a specific character set to unlock on December 15, 2025. Somehow, this has been linked to Mario Kart World receiving new character DLC.
Obvious spoilers ahead for anyone who has not finished Bananza. You have been warned!
On the 15th, the Nintendo Today app is set to receive a theme based on longtime DK villain King K. Rool. Not shown in any of the marketing material for Bananza (and still something of a secret, surprisingly), K. Rool is the final villain of DK’s latest outing. How this gets linked to Mario Kart World is a little beyond me, but fans have noticed in the credits for World that both King K. Rool and Void Kong’s voice actors are listed. Neither character appears in the game, however, which makes some sense as Mario Kart hit shelves before Bananza.
Where the 15th comes into play is that next week is the annual Game Awards event. Set to premiere on December 15th, 2025, Nintendo typically does not show up to the festivities, but it has announced DLC there in the past. Joker was revealed as the first DLC character for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate back in 2018, for instance, so maybe King K. Rool and Void Kong will be joining the roster of Mario Kart World during the event.
I think most of this is people being way too optimistic, but you can never quite tell with Nintendo. At any rate, file this rumor under plausible, but unlikely.
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
