Donkey Kong Country Returns originally released on the Wii in 2010 and was the first game in the series in 14 years. Nintendo later ported it to the Nintendo 3DS with an easier difficulty mode and some extra levels. Nintendo has announced that it’s now coming to Nintendo Switch with HD visuals and all the features and content that were in the 3DS version.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is the first game in the series developed by Retro Studios, who also made Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for the Wii U in 2014, which also has been ported to the Switch. So now, for the first time, all the Donkey Kong Country games will be playable on the Switch.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD releases on Nintendo Switch on January 16, 2025.

Jump, roll, and stomp through Donkey Kong Island in this 2D platforming adventure

Help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong recover their precious banana hoard from the villainous Tiki Tak Tribe in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for Nintendo Switch! Stomp enemies, blast through barrels, and ride rockets and mine carts (and even Rambi the rhino) in 80 levels across nine worlds.

Play the game as it was first designed for Wii, or reduce the difficulty for extra hearts and other goodies to make your journey a little easier. This barrel-blasting adventure is visually enhanced in HD for Nintendo Switch and includes the extra levels from the Nintendo 3DS version!

Team up with a friend and take on the whole game as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong

Pass a Joy-Con controller to a buddy and take on the Tiki Tak Tribe as DK and Diddy in two-player local play. Pelt foes with Diddy’s Peanut Popgun and hover using his Barrel Jet, and slam bad guys into submission with DK’s Ground Pound – or just Barrel Roll right through them. Work together to reclaim those bananas by the bunch!

[Nintendo]