Since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has rolled out several updates to numerous games bringing new features and enhancements visually and in terms of performance. One of these comes in the form of “Nintendo Switch 2 Editions,” while other titles are a bit more subtly updated. Enter 2025’s Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Originally released on the Switch in January 2025 (and 3DS in 2013, Wii in 2010), Nintendo has randomly decided to bring some of these enhancements and modes to this one in late January 2026, including playable Dixie Kong, 4K support and more. Let’s Donkey.
Update
While a big part of this update is for the Switch 2 version, the game itself is still listed as a Switch 1 title. The additional gameplay elements can be accessed on both systems. You’ll know you have the right version of the game on your system as it will say version 1.1.0 in the upper left hand corner of the title screen. Additionally, another part of the update has to do with languages. DKC Returns HD now supports Brazilian Portuguese that will show up if that is set as your system language.
Gameplay Additions - Dixie, Turbo Attack & GameShare
The most eye catching, notable addition to this update is Dixie Kong, who is now a playable character. For single player mode, she functions in a similar way to Diddy and provides more range for jumps by holding the jump button. Dixie gives players an even bigger advantage over Diddy because she gets more height at the start of her jump. I like this added verticality as it can make playthroughs feel fresh if you’ve already completed the game with DK and Diddy. The addition of Dixie isn’t quite a “Funky Kong mode” that was found in Tropical Freeze as some have feared, but it can make some of the stages a little bit easier. Of course, you can also take control of Dixie directly in two player mode if you like.
Turbo Attack is more or less another take on the Time Attack Mode. The main difference here is that things are sped up - your own moves, enemy movement, the environment, everything. With this in mind, this can make the levels be a bit hectic, but in a good way. This wasn’t a necessary addition to the game, but it provides further challenges for those looking to get more out of Returns HD.
Local GameShare is available in DKC Returns HD for up to two players. The game already has co-op play available, but this allows another player to join the game on either an additional Switch or Switch 2. I’m typically a fan of GameShare, but this one feels a bit superfluous to me given that multi-player is already included with the game. Still, those that want to play on a separate screen now have that option.
Visuals & Performance
One of my biggest gripes with DKC Returns HD on the Switch 1 were the long load times. Playing on the Nintendo Switch 2 drastically reduces these. The load times on the Switch 1 usually are anywhere from 10 to 15 seconds long. The Switch 2 cuts this in half, and typically loads up the levels in about 5 seconds. This makes for a more snappy experience and is a very welcome addition to the game.
Outside of 4K support, there aren’t many specifics about what was updated visually outside of what can be found on the support page. This states that the game is “optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.” The Switch 1 version isn’t left out of the mix here either as Nintendo says that “image quality enhancements have been made to improve the gameplay experience.” Overall, the game appears to be a bit sharper but any and all visuals updates outside of higher resolution on 4K enabled sets are subtle.
Why Now?
Since releasing on January 16, 2025 worldwide, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has sold over one million units (as of May 2025). Although I think it is a solid re-release (you can read my review from 2025 here), it’s baffling as to why something like Dixie or Turbo Attack weren’t included previously. Maybe the creation of these new elements was a reaction to the game’s success or lack thereof, depending on the expectations. Maybe this was something that was intentionally held back. If the latter is the case, I have no idea why they would have waited until now to get this out there. It just doesn’t really make sense. It does make me wonder what the internal goal for this game was sales-wise. At any rate, in all likelihood, this free update is another attempt to give the sales a shot in the arm one more time. Just to be clear, I’m glad this update is here, but it genuinely curious and asking myself, why now?
Conclusion
When it boils down to it, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is still a good game, and the Switch 2 enhancements fix a few issues the game had on Nintendo’s less powerful hardware. While the additions of Dixie and Turbo Attack are great to see, I’m more impressed by the faster loading times and enhanced visuals. If you’re wanting to go back to a classic or experience it for the first time, playing DKC Returns HD on the Nintendo Switch 2 is the best way to experience it.
But let’s turn things over to you. Did you pick up DKC Returns HD in 2025? Are you interested in picking it up now with these updates? Sound off with any and all comments down below. We’d love to hear from you.
Final Score: 9.0
by Danny Bivens
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