22 January 2026

Nintendo Just Released a New Switch 2 Update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

By newsgame

In a pleasant surprise to Donkey Kong fans, Nintendo shadow-dropped a huge update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, which not only offers enhanced graphics and performance capabilities but adds Dixie Kong as a playable character and introduces a brand-new Turbo Attack game mode. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a remaster of the original 2010 Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Nintendo Wii, which was the first Donkey Kong game to be developed by a team other than Rare, and the unexpected update has already earned a round of applause from Donkey Kong fans.

Despite being one of the biggest Nintendo first-party IPs, audiences have felt that Donkey Kong fell by the wayside for many years, having to take a back seat to Nintendo’s primary mascot, Mario. While Donkey Kong appeared in a number of games, fans missed the joys of the old-school 2D side-scrolling adventures introduced in the retro Donkey Kong Country series. As such, when Nintendo revealed they were bringing back Donkey Kong Country Returns with an HD edition, many were happy to see the beloved ape seemingly re-entering the spotlight. Having also been graced with the smash-hit Donkey Kong Bananza and other Donkey Kong offerings beyond the realm of gaming, DK certainly seems to be getting the attention he deserves with an additional update to one of the latest Donkey Kong games.

DK stealing toys in Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Switch)

Best Donkey Kong Game On Every Nintendo Console

Donkey Kong was the game that made Nintendo a household name, and all these years later, he has made an impression on each of Nintendo’s consoles.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Adds Dixie Kong and Turbo Attack Mode

Just over one year after it initially launched, Nintendo announced that Donkey Kong Country Returns HD received a free update on January 20 that adds Dixie Kong as a playable character for both single-player and local co-op, along with enhanced resolution, higher-definition graphics, and faster load times for users on the Nintendo Switch 2. Dixie features new gameplay mechanics that include a different jumping motion from Diddy Kong, and players will be able to choose between Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong when picking up barrels in single-player or while viewing the world map in local co-op. Another big addition with the surprise Donkey Kong Country Returns HD update is the introduction of Turbo Attack mode, which lets players race through stages at high speeds. Once each course is cleared, both Turbo Attack and Time Attack mode will appear simultaneously, giving players the option to quickly clear the level again and earn a turbo medal.

Other key updates include language support for Brazilian Portuguese, general bug fixes, and image quality enhancements for both the Switch and Switch 2. One change specifically added for the Nintendo Switch 2 is support for GameShare (Local User), which allows two users to play the game locally on separate devices. More Switch 2 improvements for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD focus on optimization for the console display, improved compatibility with high-resolution televisions for enhanced visual quality, and shorter loading times for Switch 2 systems.

donkey-kong-country-returns-hd-dkcr-peaceful-pier-guide

While some were shocked to see the sudden update to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, others were delighted to see Nintendo not only making adjustments to a beloved game but continuing to show support for Donkey Kong as a leading character in an already stacked roster of mascots and console-exclusive heroes. Considering the rumored Donkey Kong movie to be in the works and the recent addition of another Donkey Kong Country theme park land at Universal Epic Universe, the banana-loving leader of the DK Crew is seemingly showing no signs of slowing his momentum across gaming, cinema, and live entertainment.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was not the only Nintendo game to receive a shocking update in January 2026. Animal Crossing: New Horizons got a new update that also introduced a number of fresh features, once again enticing players to revisit their islands to check out all the changes. It remains to be seen if Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Donkey Kong Country Returns HD receive any more updates in the future, but fans are certainly happy to see Nintendo providing some much-appreciated TLC to games from its powerhouse franchises.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD January 2026 Update Patch Notes

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch:

You can now play as Dixie Kong. Her action when jumping is different from when jumping with Diddy Kong.
- When playing alone, as you grab a barrel, you can switch between either Diddy Kong or Dixie Kong as the character that appears.
- When playing with two people, P2 can switch between Diddy Kong or Dixie Kong by pressing the stick (the L Stick in the case of playing with both Joy-Con 2 or Joy-Con controllers) on the world map.
A Turbo Attack mode where you can race through the stage at high speed has been added.
- If you clear the course once, it will appear at the same time as the Time Attack mode.
- If you can clear it within the time limit, you will acquire a turbo medal.
Now supports Brazilian Portuguese language.
- You can switch the language in the “Language” setting in the “System” menu of “System Settings.”
Several other issues have been addressed and image quality enhancements have been made to improve the gameplay experience.

The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:

Now supports “GameShare (Local User).”
- You can select “GameShare (Local User)” from “2 Players” on the game start screen or the menu screen of the world map.
Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs for improved image quality.
The loading time is now shorter.