On January 20, 2026, Nintendo shadow-dropped a free update to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
Donkey Kong Country Returns first came out on the Nintendo Wii more than ten years ago. It was then released for the Nintendo 3DS, and a remastered version appeared on the original Nintendo Switch in early 2025. This week saw the launch of a free update, which includes new ways to play, improved graphics, and a brand new character you can control.
Dixie Kong Finally Arrives in Donkey Kong Country Returns
Donkey Kong Country Returns, released on the Nintendo Wii in 2010, was initially praised as a revival of the classic Donkey Kong games from the Super Nintendo era. While Diddy Kong returned as a playable partner, Dixie Kong didn’t reappear until the release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on the Nintendo Wii U.
A new, free update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Nintendo Switch lets you play as Dixie Kong for the first time! Instead of Diddy Kong’s jetpack, you can now use Dixie’s signature Helicopter Spin to take to the skies.
The free update includes improved graphics and resolution, plus quicker loading speeds, all optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2. Players on the Nintendo Switch 2 can now use GameShare to let a friend join in locally, even if they don’t own the game. A new Turbo Attack Mode has also been added, offering a fast-paced time trial experience.
Donkey Kong’s Moment in the Sun
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Donkey Kong – Nintendo’s original star – quickly became a key figure on the new console. “Donkey Kong Bananza” was one of the first popular 3D platforming games available, introducing a fresh look for DK and bringing back the villain King K. Rool.
Donkey Kong will appear in both Mario Kart World and is expected to play a big role in the story mode of Mario Tennis Fever, which will have more playable characters than any previous game in the series. You can find more details about Mario Tennis Fever here. Even though fans are waiting for the next big Mario adventure, there’s plenty of Donkey Kong content to enjoy in the meantime.
What do you think of the surprise release? It’s amazing that a game from over ten years ago is still being updated, isn’t it? Share your thoughts on our Discord server! And be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more updates.
Robert DeFelice
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2026-01-22 01:18