Complete Donkey Kong Country Series Now Playable on Nintendo Switch

The Donkey Kong Country series, an iconic franchise in Nintendo’s library, is now fully accessible to players on Nintendo Switch.

Developed by Rare and published by Nintendo, the Donkey Kong Country series made its debut in 1994 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), quickly garnering acclaim for its groundbreaking graphics and addictive gameplay.

Over the decades, the series has expanded to include Donkey Kong Country 1-3, the Nintendo 64 title Donkey Kong 64, and more recent entries, all of which have left an indelible mark on platforming game history. With the expansion of the Nintendo Switch Online service, players can enjoy the complete Donkey Kong Country trilogy via the SNES app.

Donkey Kong 64, initially released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, remains a favorite among longtime fans; however, it has yet to be officially ported to the Switch eShop or Switch Online.

Many in the community, echoing sentiments across gaming forums, have expressed hope for a comprehensive Donkey Kong Country Collection that would unify the original trilogy with Donkey Kong 64 in a single package on Nintendo Switch. Players continue to reminisce about other key titles in the franchise.

While Donkey Kong Land 3 is often overshadowed by its Country counterparts, some enthusiasts note its exclusion from recent video retrospectives.

As one fan highlighted, "The Donkey Kong Land titles aren’t considered part of the Donkey Kong Country mainline series, which is why they’re sometimes omitted from official discussions." Despite these distinctions, the series’ legacy is undeniable.

All five major Donkey Kong platformers—Donkey Kong Country 1-3, Donkey Kong 64, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Tropical Freeze—are widely celebrated as highlights in platforming game history.

Notably, Diddy Kong is a playable character in more entries than Donkey Kong himself, a testament to the franchise’s creative evolution.

Fans of Diddy Kong Racing hold out hope for its return, following its appearance on other platforms and continued popularity. The closure of the Nintendo Wii U eShop led to concerns from preservationists and longtime players about access to classics like Donkey Kong 64.

Previously, licensing complexities involving Nintendo and Microsoft limited the re-release of certain Rare-developed titles, but the arrival of Banjo-Kazooie on Switch Online suggests potential for future expansion. Music from newer Donkey Kong games, such as Tropical Freeze and Returns, remains in demand among fans who hope to see these soundtracks included in Nintendo’s official music offerings.

As anticipation builds for upcoming releases—including the forthcoming Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, scheduled for a 2025 release on Nintendo Switch—the franchise’s legacy only continues to grow. With the complete set of Donkey Kong Country platformers now available on modern Nintendo hardware, both series veterans and new players can experience the evolutionary journey of one of gaming’s most beloved characters.

As the community continues to advocate for more comprehensive collections and additional soundtrack availability, Nintendo’s celebration of Donkey Kong’s enduring legacy remains a highlight for Switch owners worldwide.

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