New Donkey Kong Game Reportedly in Development by Nintendo EPD for Switch

The Donkey Kong franchise—one of Nintendo's most iconic and enduring series—appears set for a major revival.

According to multiple reputable sources, Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development Division (Nintendo EPD) has reportedly been developing a new Donkey Kong platformer for the Nintendo Switch, reigniting interest in a series that has largely remained dormant since the release of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Donkey Kong holds a storied legacy in gaming history, with its arcade origins in the early 1980s and a resurgence in the 1990s when UK-based studio Rare produced the acclaimed Donkey Kong Country trilogy for the SNES.

After Microsoft acquired Rare, Texas-based Retro Studios took up the mantle, releasing Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Wii and the celebrated Tropical Freeze, which launched on Wii U in 2014 and was ported to Switch in 2018. Industry insiders suggest that Nintendo initiated development on the latest Donkey Kong installment around 2017 or 2018.

According to respected fansite DK Vine, this marks the first time Nintendo has managed the series' development internally since Nintendo EAD’s Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, indicating a strategic shift to strengthen the franchise’s core identity.

Sources state that a dedicated team within Nintendo EPD—assembled from members of other EPD teams—has been tasked specifically with this new Donkey Kong project. While specific gameplay details remain unconfirmed, trusted sources indicate that the upcoming title will be a platformer.

However, whether it will be a traditional 2D, 2.5D, or a new hybrid style has not been disclosed.

It is worth noting that Nintendo insiders suggest the game likely will not carry the 'Country' branding.

Observers interpret this as an aim to redefine the modern Donkey Kong brand, distinct from its SNES roots. Nintendo Life, an established voice in Nintendo coverage, corroborated the rumblings by citing confirmation from an independent and reliable source that EPD Tokyo—best known for Super Mario Odyssey—is leading the project.

Additional commentary from leaker Zippo highlighted the occasion of Donkey Kong's 40th anniversary as a likely impetus for the new game, further supported by the absence of Retro Studios from the current development due to their focus on other projects. Throughout its history, the Donkey Kong franchise has encompassed a wide variety of genres and spin-offs—including Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, Donkey Konga, and the Mario vs.

Donkey Kong series.

Yet, fans have consistently clamored for mainline entries that build on the series' rich platforming heritage.

The anticipation for a new in-house title by Nintendo EPD is further amplified given the division’s track record with beloved Nintendo properties. As of now, no official announcement or release date has been confirmed by Nintendo regarding the new Donkey Kong game for Nintendo Switch.

For verified information and updates on Donkey Kong, Nintendo EPD, and forthcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, keep following trusted industry sources and Nintendo’s official channels.

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