It’s truly amazing that even in its twilight period of the Switch, Nintendo are still finding gems from the Wii’s back catalogue to give the nip and tuck treatment to. It’s a testament to the elder system’s library, but also to Nintendo’s dedication to treating new audiences to old classics. However, the latest is a bit of an odd ball addition to Switch Wii remaster lineup. Especially, since its sequel was given the treatment way back in 2014. We are of course talking about Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD first hit the Wii back in 2010. Its launch was a huge moment for Donkey Kong, being his first full title in over 15 years. It was also launched at a time when 2D platformers hadn’t really made their comeback yet. And the indie scene was yet to really come of age.
So, the stage was all Donkey Kong’s in more ways than one, and DK and Nintendo didn’t monkey around. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was a huge hit and received as a return to form for the icon. This 2025 version is the third release for Donkey Kong Country Returns seeing as the title got a run on 3DS.
DKC Returns Again
The platforming landscape is a totally different beast now. Many old 2D icons have been successfully revived. Many indie house have made their bread and butter from the 2D resurrection ushered in by Donkey Kong Country Returns and others. 2D platformers now need more than name recognition or the promise of some nostalgia.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD tried to be the best of both previous versions, and pulls on elements from the Wii and 3DS versions. However, and very oddly, the 2025 release adds no new content. You have read that right – zero new content, no new modes, levels or added fun stuff.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD also feels cut back in some ways. There are some missing graphical effects, and it lacks the overall level of polish you would expect from a HD build of a fifteen-year-old game. However, this could also just be a case where the HD treatment shows the compromises of the original’s visual quality.
Ageless Elements
While the visual presentation can be seen as a letdown, the actual gameplay and level design is world class. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is still a real treat to revisit all these years on.
Players coming to the game for the first time will also notice the stellar quality They may even be impressed that a 15-year-old game still feels so modern.
Forever Entertainment, the team tasked with the port, have nailed the feel and controls in general. They get extra points for how uniquely each character plays, and how they’ve balanced all these differences. For example, Donkey Kong is a bit of a weighty lad, so he takes a bit of time to get to grips with.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has that series’ rhythmic style at its core. To get into a flow, you time your jumps, roll and attack to the beat of the level. If you get it right, you can zip to collect items or finish a level flawlessly.
Old School
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is far from an easy game and will challenge all but the best 2D platform players. For everyone else, you’ll need to memorise levels and boss patterns, maybe work on your twitch reactions. You may even need to rely on luck to overcome the more intense platforming sections.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD features two modes. One, the regular ‘Original’ mode, gives you the challenge as laid out on Wii all those years ago. The other is a ‘Modern’ mode which gives you more lives and makes some changes to levels to take the edge off. It must be said that even in the easier mode, many of you will still find the game becomes brutal.
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The challenge may come as a shock to some newer Nintendo fans. A number of first-party titles on Switch came with ‘easy’ modes. Even Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze on the Switch added funky mode. However, the satisfaction that comes from beating Donkey Kong Country Returns is epic.
Although there are ways to make things easier like adding in Diddy Kong, upping your number of power-ups, or worst-case team up with a mate on the couch and attack things in co-op. However, it’s just worth mentioning the co-op not as streamlined an affair on the difficulty front, as other Nintendo titles.
Shining Black Sheep
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a bit like the black sheep of the Nintendo Switch HD library. On one hand, the port is lacking visually and adds nothing new to the game, plus it lacks the standard level of accessibility options you may expect.
But, on the other hand, it’s a truly brilliant platformer through and through, dishing up a healthy challenge that’s equal parts satisfying and rage-inducing.
If you have played it before there is little here to make you rush out and grab it, whereas newcomers beware its far from a push over. But, stick with it and you’ll see why so many went bananas for it back in the day.