Introduction:
Donkey Kong 64, the 3D platformer developed by Rare and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, has been made available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
The title joins Nintendo's growing library of classic N64 games offered through the subscription service for Nintendo Switch owners, giving both new players and long-time fans access to the game's signature mix of exploration, collectibles and multiplayer arenas.
What Donkey Kong 64 offers:
Donkey Kong 64 is a single-player adventure that also supports competitive four-player split-screen battle arenas.
Players take control of five playable Kongs — Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong and Chunky Kong — each with unique abilities used to traverse levels, solve puzzles and collect Golden Bananas.
The adventure centers on rescuing the Kong family and reclaiming Golden Bananas after King K.
Rool kidnaps the Kongs and strands his mechanical island off DK Island.
Paraphrased highlights from the release:
Nintendo framed the return as a chance to "recreate memories with the top banana," noting that Donkey Kong fans can revisit the title's solo exploration and multiplayer battle modes.
The company emphasized the game's core loop: using each Kong's distinct skills to climb, swim and solve platforming challenges while hunting for collectibles and playing minigames.
Playable characters and mechanics:
- Donkey Kong: The franchise's leader and primary heavy-hitter.
- Diddy Kong: Known for agility and his jetpack-based moves in certain sections.
- Tiny Kong: Uses size-changing mechanics to reach specific areas.
- Lanky Kong: Employs stretch-and-inflate abilities to navigate levels.
- Chunky Kong: A powerful character specialized for strength-based tasks.
The game also includes friendly NPCs and unique encounters such as the caged Kremling named K.
Lumsy.
Access and membership details:
Donkey Kong 64 is available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, which requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account.
Nintendo notes that membership auto-renews after the initial term at the then-current price and that online features and availability vary by region.
Additional accessories may be required for some multiplayer modes.
Why it matters:
The addition of Donkey Kong 64 underscores Nintendo's continued investment in bringing classic N64-era titles to modern audiences via the Nintendo Switch and its online subscription services.
For fans of Rare's late-1990s platformers, the release provides an accessible way to replay a notable entry in the Donkey Kong series.
Donkey Kong 64, the 3D platformer developed by Rare and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, has been made available to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
The title joins Nintendo's growing library of classic N64 games offered through the subscription service for Nintendo Switch owners, giving both new players and long-time fans access to the game's signature mix of exploration, collectibles and multiplayer arenas.
What Donkey Kong 64 offers:
Donkey Kong 64 is a single-player adventure that also supports competitive four-player split-screen battle arenas.
Players take control of five playable Kongs — Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong and Chunky Kong — each with unique abilities used to traverse levels, solve puzzles and collect Golden Bananas.
The adventure centers on rescuing the Kong family and reclaiming Golden Bananas after King K.
Rool kidnaps the Kongs and strands his mechanical island off DK Island.
Paraphrased highlights from the release:
Nintendo framed the return as a chance to "recreate memories with the top banana," noting that Donkey Kong fans can revisit the title's solo exploration and multiplayer battle modes.
The company emphasized the game's core loop: using each Kong's distinct skills to climb, swim and solve platforming challenges while hunting for collectibles and playing minigames.
Playable characters and mechanics:
- Donkey Kong: The franchise's leader and primary heavy-hitter.
- Diddy Kong: Known for agility and his jetpack-based moves in certain sections.
- Tiny Kong: Uses size-changing mechanics to reach specific areas.
- Lanky Kong: Employs stretch-and-inflate abilities to navigate levels.
- Chunky Kong: A powerful character specialized for strength-based tasks.
The game also includes friendly NPCs and unique encounters such as the caged Kremling named K.
Lumsy.
Access and membership details:
Donkey Kong 64 is available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier, which requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and a Nintendo Account.
Nintendo notes that membership auto-renews after the initial term at the then-current price and that online features and availability vary by region.
Additional accessories may be required for some multiplayer modes.
Why it matters:
The addition of Donkey Kong 64 underscores Nintendo's continued investment in bringing classic N64-era titles to modern audiences via the Nintendo Switch and its online subscription services.
For fans of Rare's late-1990s platformers, the release provides an accessible way to replay a notable entry in the Donkey Kong series.