Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review: Retro Studios' Classic Swings onto Nintendo Switch

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Review: Retro Studios' Classic Swings onto Nintendo Switch Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has officially landed on the Nintendo Switch, marking a celebrated return for one of Nintendo's most beloved franchise icons.

Developed by acclaimed studio Retro Studios, this modernized port brings the 2010 Wii hit to a new generation—and to the vast audience that has made the Switch one of Nintendo’s most successful platforms.

Since its original release, the game has been praised for revitalizing the SNES classic series, but how does it hold up nearly 15 years later, and what does the Switch version add? Donkey Kong's Long-Awaited Return Despite the Nintendo Switch playing host to new high-profile entries in series like Mario, Zelda, and Xenoblade, Donkey Kong fans have awaited a fresh adventure for years.

The most recent Donkey Kong release was a port of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze from the Wii U.

Meanwhile, the franchise’s presence in pop culture has only grown—with Donkey Kong starring in 2023’s The Super Mario Bros.

Movie and the opening of Donkey Kong-themed areas at Universal Studios' Super Nintendo World. Now, fans are once again invited to Donkey Kong Island with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.

Retro Studios originally brought the series back in 2010, capturing the challenging, secret-filled platforming that made the original Donkey Kong Country games classics, while adding modern mechanics and design sensibilities.

The Switch release continues this tradition, aiming to introduce a new wave of players to its demanding platform challenges. Gameplay and Features Players take control of Donkey Kong through nine diverse, obstacle-laden worlds, with levels that reward both quick reflexes and careful exploration.

Unlike other platforming mascots, Donkey Kong’s movement is defined by purposeful weight and momentum—there’s no sprint function here, but the mechanic is balanced with his signature nimble rolls and midair jumps.

Diddy Kong also returns, offering momentary hovering and a valuable boost to your heart count, making survival through tricky segments a bit more forgiving. For those playing with a friend, local co-op lets each player control a separate Kong, which, while entertaining, can ramp up the challenge significantly as levels demand precise timing and coordination.

The adventure takes players from lush jungles and sun-soaked beaches to murky factories and treacherous volcanoes—a testament to Retro Studios’ inventive level design.

Each stage is packed with collectibles like the staple K-O-N-G letters and hidden puzzle pieces, encouraging replayability.

Players can also tackle time trials, though this release omits online leaderboards found in other Switch ports. Beloved and challenging mine cart levels and rocket barrel stages add to the variety, requiring rapid reactions and testing player patience in classic Donkey Kong fashion.

Compared to Nintendo’s other platformers, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers a steeper, more rewarding difficulty curve. What’s New on Nintendo Switch While graphically enhanced with sharper HD visuals and improved character models, the Nintendo Switch release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD introduces relatively few substantial additions.

The content from the Nintendo 3DS edition, including its extra levels, is present, and an easier mode allows for enhanced accessibility by granting Donkey and Diddy an extra hit.

However, no significant new content—such as fresh stages or characters—has been added, making this port less feature-rich than other recent upgrades like Pikmin 3 Deluxe or Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. Legacy and Final Thoughts Retro Studios’ 2010 revival of Donkey Kong Country remains a masterclass in level design, with imaginative worlds and satisfying platforming that set it apart from its peers.

This Switch port doesn’t push the series forward in terms of content, but it serves as a stellar reminder of Donkey Kong’s platforming prowess.

Newcomers should find the experience thrilling, while returning fans will enjoy the nostalgia—especially if it’s been years since their last visit to Donkey Kong Island. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is available now on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

For those who missed the original, it’s a must-play addition to the platform’s rich library of first-party classics.

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