Here's everything new in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

Hannan Mundia Published 10/01/2025

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD trailer screenshot

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is on the horizon, but what exactly is new about it, and how does it compare to the 2010 Nintendo Wii original?

Nintendo arguably has some of the most beloved classic game series in all of gaming. The company usually ensures that IPs like The Legend of Zelda and Pokemon see consistent game releases. Donkey Kong isn’t in the same boat as the most recent major game in the series, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze, originally came out all the way back in 2014.

While not a brand new release, fans will now get at least get a more polished version of the classic Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Nintendo Switch. Since a fresh Donkey Kong game seems unlikely in the immediate future, this will have to do until then. Here is how Donkey Kong Country Returns HD compares to the original 2010 platformer.

How is Donkey Kong Country Returns HD different from the original?

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a graphically enhanced version of the original with all levels from the Wii and 3DS versions, but it’s not otherwise very different from the original release.

The original Donkey Kong Returns came out in 2010 for the Nintendo Wii. The game also got a 3DS port three years later that featured a new mode and world.

While this latest release isn’t a ground-up remake, the lighting and textures are improved and all character models are enhanced. The closest comparison would be The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD, which also originally came out on the Wii and later got a Nintendo Switch remaster release.

Those who only played the Nintendo Wii version will find a new world to discover in the HD remaster, as that fresh world comes with eight levels previously featured only in the 3DS port. Additionally, the new release has both the original mode and the simpler mode introduced in the 3DS port.

Finally, it’s important to note that this HD remaster isn’t being developed by Retro Studios as was the original. The HD remaster is developed by Forever Entertainment, a studio that mostly specializes in publishing games.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD release date

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD see a release date on the Nintendo Switch on January 16, 2025, and it will release exclusively on that console.

The Nintendo Switch is nearing the end of its lifetime with a reported Switch successor on the horizon. The platform has yet to deliver an original Donkey Kong standalone game.

Nintendo focuses on more mainstream popular IPs like The Legend of Zelda and Mario. The new remaster’s sales may determine how soon a new game in the series comes out as it could show the company just how profitable a new Donkey Kong game may be.

Hannan Mundia

About Hannan Mundia

Hannan Mundia is a lifelong gamer. Don’t believe us? Just ask him. But don’t ask how many hours he’s spent playing. He’s been gaming since the age of three, and much of his live revolves around video games and the video game industry. Whether it’s a classic Legend of Zelda game from Nintendo, the newest Bethesda RPG, or something else entirely, you can bet that Hannan is ready and willing to play it.

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