Nintendo Just Released a New Switch 2 Update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

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Nintendo recently surprised fans with a major update to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. The update improves the game’s graphics and performance, and it adds exciting new features like the ability to play as Dixie Kong and a new “Turbo Attack” game mode. This remastered version of the original 2010 Donkey Kong Country Returns (originally for the Nintendo Wii) was the first Donkey Kong game not developed by Rare, and the update has been very well-received by players.

For years, many fans felt Donkey Kong was overshadowed by Mario, despite being a major Nintendo franchise. While Donkey Kong appeared in various games, people longed for the classic 2D platforming adventures of the original Donkey Kong Country series. So, when Nintendo announced Donkey Kong Country Returns in HD, fans were thrilled to see the ape return to prominence. With the success of Donkey Kong Bananza and other DK-related products, and now a recent update to a newer Donkey Kong game, it seems Donkey Kong is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Adds Dixie Kong and Turbo Attack Mode

A little over a year after its release, Nintendo has updated Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Nintendo Switch 2. The January 20th update adds Dixie Kong as a playable character, both by herself and in local co-op mode. The update also improves the game’s graphics and makes loading times faster. Dixie Kong offers unique gameplay with a different jump than Diddy Kong, and players can choose between the two when grabbing barrels or on the world map. The update also introduces Turbo Attack mode, letting players speed through levels. After completing a stage, both Turbo Attack and Time Attack modes become available, allowing players to replay for turbo medals.

The update also adds support for Brazilian Portuguese and includes general bug fixes. Image quality has been improved on both the original Switch and the new Switch 2. Specifically for the Switch 2, we’ve added GameShare (Local User), letting two players enjoy the game locally on different devices. For Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Switch 2, we’ve focused on optimizing the game for the console’s display, making it look better on high-resolution TVs, and reducing loading times.

The surprise update to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD excited many fans, and it’s great to see Nintendo continuing to support Donkey Kong. He’s already a major character alongside other popular heroes, and with a potential movie and a new theme park area coming soon, Donkey Kong’s popularity is clearly growing in games, movies, and theme parks alike. He shows no signs of losing momentum!

In January 2026, both Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and Animal Crossing: New Horizons received unexpected updates with new features. This encouraged players to return to their islands and experience the changes. While it’s unclear if either game will get further updates, fans are pleased to see Nintendo showing some love to its popular franchises.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD January 2026 Update Patch Notes

Here’s what’s new for players on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch:

  • You can now play as Dixie Kong. Her action when jumping is different from when jumping with Diddy Kong.
    • When playing alone, as you grab a barrel, you can switch between either Diddy Kong or Dixie Kong as the character that appears.
    • When playing with two people, P2 can switch between Diddy Kong or Dixie Kong by pressing the stick (the L Stick in the case of playing with both Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con controllers) on the world map.
  • A Turbo Attack mode where you can race through the stage at high speed has been added.
    • If you clear the course once, it will appear at the same time as the Time Attack mode.
    • If you can clear it within the time limit, you will acquire a turbo medal.
  • Now supports Brazilian Portuguese language.
    • You can switch the language in the “Language” setting in the “System” menu of “System Settings.”
  • Several other issues have been addressed and image quality enhancements have been made to improve the gameplay experience.

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

  • Now supports “GameShare (Local User).”
    • You can select “GameShare (Local User)” from “2 Players” on the game start screen or the menu screen of the world map.
  • Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
  • The loading time is now shorter.

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2026-01-21 22:37