Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Sales Surpass 1 Million on Nintendo Switch Ahead of Switch 2 Launch

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, the high-definition revival of the Wii-era classic, has achieved an impressive sales milestone on the Nintendo Switch, marking another strong release in Nintendo's portfolio.

Official numbers confirm that as of February 2025, the title has surpassed 1.27 million units sold worldwide, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the Donkey Kong franchise on modern hardware. The game, launched globally on January 16, 2025, revisits the side-scrolling adventure that first captured fans’ hearts on the Nintendo Wii.

While industry observers anticipated a solid performance given Donkey Kong’s established fanbase, reaching this sales figure in just over a month signals a healthy appetite for classic platformers on today’s Nintendo Switch. Despite its success, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was not without controversy in the lead-up to launch.

Community feedback raised concerns regarding the lack of substantial updates or new content, particularly with a retail price of $60, a sentiment echoed across social channels and gaming forums.

Additionally, fans noticed a significant omission from the game’s credits: Retro Studios, the original developers, were not credited for their foundational work on the series, sparking discussion about recognition and credit within the industry. In the broader context of first-party Nintendo releases, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD found itself trailing behind blockbuster peers such as Super Mario Odyssey, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, and Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, which posted first-month sales of 1.33 million, 1.88 million, and an impressive 2.02 million units, respectively.

Nevertheless, DKCR HD’s early sales figures solidify its place as a strong performer on the eShop and at retail. Attention is now turning to the future of the franchise with the highly anticipated Donkey Kong Bananza, slated for launch on July 17, 2025, for Nintendo’s next-generation platform, Switch 2.

Positioned as Donkey Kong’s grand return to the 3D action-adventure genre, Bananza promises an ambitious gameplay experience centered around exploring vibrant worlds and uncovering hidden treasures.

While the development team has yet to be officially confirmed, speculation is high given Nintendo's track record of entrusting key franchises to its top talent. In parallel to software achievements, Nintendo has updated its hardware sales forecasts.

The company expects the Switch 2 to achieve 15 million units sold in its first fiscal year, with software projections reaching 45 million titles.

For the legacy Switch hardware, Nintendo anticipates 4.5 million units sold, which would further cement the platform’s status as one of the best-selling gaming consoles of all time, inching past the Nintendo DS in lifetime sales. With Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s strong debut and high expectations for Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo continues to demonstrate both the strength of its storied franchises and its ability to captivate long-time fans and new audiences alike on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.

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