Nintendo unveils an exciting surprise for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD!

You never know when Nintendo will surprise us with an unexpected update for an older title. This time, it’s not about the early release of the big update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but rather the new content for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, which received a fresh update on Tuesday, bringing exciting additions and Switch 2-exclusive enhancements. It’s the kind of delightful surprise that fans love.

The latest update introduces a new playable character, Dixie Kong, who also appears in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Players can swap her in for Diddy, either as an assist character for Donkey Kong or as a second player in co-op mode. As an assist, Dixie can give DK a boost, helping him reach greater heights.

Additionally, the update features Turbo Attack, a mode that allows players to speed through high-octane versions of levels in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.

While the update is available for both the original Switch and the Switch 2, the latter will enjoy some hardware-specific enhancements. The Switch 2 version promises improved resolution and higher-definition graphics, along with faster load times. GameShare is also supported, enabling two players to enjoy the game from a single copy.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the 2025 Switch re-release of the 2010 classic Donkey Kong Country Returns for Wii, which also saw a release on Nintendo 3DS in 2013. Our review of the HD version highlighted its strengths:

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a solid title, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the best platforming experiences on the Switch. The original Super Nintendo trilogy remains a classic (yes, even the one featuring Kiddy Kong), and the 2018 port of Tropical Freeze is both thematically and creatively superior, featuring a full cast of Kongs. However, fans of 2D platforming will still find a lot to enjoy in Returns HD, with over 80 levels and a wealth of collectibles. Plus, with features like Modern Mode, equippable items, and Super Kong, Returns HD is the most accessible entry in the Donkey Kong Country series to date.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD ver. 1.1.0 is now available as a free update.