We're almost in December and that means Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is arriving very soon. Yes, in case you somehow missed it, the 2010 Wii Classic is getting another release.
This remaster will not only include a facelift but it also features all of the bonus levels from the 2013 3DS game, bumping up the total amount of levels to 80! Everything else you know and love about this Retro Studios platformer will also return including the local co-op.
So, with the game's 16th January 2025 release just around the corner, we're curious to know if our community here will be double or even triple-dipping. So, vote in our poll and leave a comment below.
Will you be getting Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for Switch? (2,140 votes)
- I've already pre-ordered
- Day One
- As soon as possible
- Yes, probably
- I still need more time to decide...
- I'll stick with the Wii/3DS version
- No, I'm not interested
If you're also looking for a Donkey Kong fix between now and then, Nintendo has recently added the classic handheld adventures Donkey Kong Land and Donkey Kong Land 2 to the Switch Online service.
The new Donkey Kong Country section of Super Nintendo World is also opening in Japan this December, and Rare's original SNES outing recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. It's all happening for the Kongs!
Comments 106
No thanks, Id rather have a new game in the series
Yeah, I'm definitely getting it. It's a Switch port I've wanted for years and it'll be the first time the game's playable with a decent controller.
Yes, even though this is a triple dip for me. I don’t have a Wii handy and the 3DS port was good at the time but it’ll be inferior after this. Not that it bothered me, but no waggling is a plus, so I can go without that while still being able to play Returns on the big screen. Overall, this is an easier sell for me than Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD was.
Um...
I already get the Wii PAL Australia version when I bought used Wii PAL Australia version last time, included with 10 used Wii PAL Australia games for the bonus from the seller who doesn't need their Wii any more and I still haven't continued the game yet.
I still need more time to consider the Switch version since I'm not a fan of Donkey Kong games.
Too many 3rd party games to play, so little time.
No, I’ve already double dipped on this game with the Wii and 3DS version. It’s a fun game but I certainly don’t need it a third time. I’m ready for a new Donkey Kong!
The Wii U's graphics plus the 3DS's balance changes and extra stages. I probably won't get it Day 1, but I'll pick it up eventually.
It’s a brilliant platformer, but I don’t need another copy and I don’t really want to support this one.
Probably something to pick up at a second hand store when I fancy it, still need to beat a bunch of other games though
$60 for a 10+ year old game. Yeah, no.
I usually don’t mind double dipping but triple dipping nah. My 3ds is very accessible.
I'm a bit hesitant because of some of the issues that people tore into in the reveal trailer - none were particularly egregious, but given Nintendo's strict quality control, I think it's fair to be concerned. But it also comes out a week before my birthday, and I eventually dropped Returns 3D because its halved framerate was making the experience more frustrating compared to Tropical Freeze, so it'll probably be at the top of my wishlist either way.
Maybe when it's on a sale. I would love an actual new Donkey Kong, but less excited about this remaster.
Of course. I just hope this port is prepping us for a third chapter!!
Anyone see the movie Tron?
Day one 100%. I have both previous versions but I like playing old favourites on new hardware and also just the convenience of having things on my current device.
I’m so conflicted. DKCR is an all-timer for me and I’ve it beaten multiple times on Wii and 3DS, but its a tough ask when its just a remaster for an already pretty game with no major content added.
@Yoshi3 - Usually forgoing a purchase doesn't tell a developer people want a new one. Not saying you should buy the game, just saying the intent you have is the opposite of what Nintendo would see.
Ha, nope.
Got Returns on my Wii since 2010. Not paying full price again for the same thing pretty much. Unless it's a game I physically can't live without having on Switch, or if it's an actual remake of an old enough classic, I try to not support full price ports with minimal updates.
UPDATE: Well, this aged like the finest milk. Let's run it down: I was so disappointed with Brothership, I sold it almost right away for a good price ...and needing something else to play right now, with that extra cash in hand, I unfortunately caved and bought this anyway. I'm definitely part of the problem, but I'd rather spend a bit extra to replay a game that is just cosy, simple and fun without any DLC or micro- transactions ...than give my money to any recent awful live service or overpriced unfinished garbage on PS5. Still ...I'm officially a hypocrite and I'm sorry lol
I got it physical just in case, though, so I can sell it if the regret sets in again ...That's why physical media is so important, folks!
I'll have to wait for a sale on this one
nah. Many years ago I got the 3DS version from CeX. and I never even played it.
For whatever reason I just never mustered up enough enthusiasm to give it a go.
Maybe if I see it around for cheap i'll grab it but there's absolutely no rush
Pre-ordered because I want that barrel pen holder to go with my Donkey Kong figure.
I love Returns but I don't feel the need to triple dip for a third version.
Will be buying day 1 for sure, excited to replay it on Switch.
@Paraka Conversely, if you buy it Nintendo will think you like full priced remasters and want to give you more. It's difficult to vote with your wallet to say "I want another game in this series, but not like the one being offered", on some level that's a no-win situation. They could get the wrong message either way that you either want more remasters or you don't want the series at all.
Still, I would say not buying it is more likely to get the game you actually want. If they think you want more remasters they're not going to put in much effort so nothing will change. If it doesn't sell, they'll know something's wrong and go back to the drawing board and figure out what. There's a risk that the "what" is the series isn't profitable enough, but I don't think that's a concern for DK, so if they do the proper research and analysis I think they're more likely to find the complaints of "I want a new DK platformer".
This seems like a good game that would be a fun first modern DK for me (and it comes out the day before my birthday!), but $60 is way too much. I didn’t buy Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD and got it on 3DS instead, so I might just do the same
Yeah, probably. This is one of my favorite games, and I don't currently have a way to play it.
Maybe when I start getting into serious collecting, but now, when I already played the 3DS version and am currently saving for new games? Absolutely not.
No, I've already beaten this game multiple times. Great game, no need for me to replay it at this time, also awesome bonus hard stages
Nah. I have it on my 2ds
You should have another option: when it is on a better sale 5 years from now
@Bolt_Strike - Overtly, avoid buying the game outright is more beneficial for any consumer, compared to buying even a discounted port. Let alone a full priced one.
I am just saying don't expect Nintendo to see a slump of DKC sales and think, "Man, maybe we should make a new one instead." Sometimes these ports do actually funnel money to new projects, again, that is still not an obligation on the consumer.
It comes out two weeks before my birthday and everyone knows I’d like it, so I expect I’ll get it from my kids, wife, or my parents. It’s not often that such an obvious birthday present lobs into view for my family.
I will absolutely buy this $60 port of a Wii game that retailed at $50 and was already re-released on 3DS for $40 (but I got that version for free on Club Nintendo).
Am I part of the problem?
Yes.
But at least I'm a big enough person to admit that.
im not paying 60+ dollars for the weakest donkey kong country game with no quality of life improvements or additional content. This should've been 20 dollars MAX.
@Not_Soos you're a real one ngl😎
I'd buy another version of Skyrim first.
Won't be rushing out to get it. If I get some money of gift cards for Christmas, sure, why not?
I just don't like how the series feels, and since they've ditched the one interesting thing about the games (the 90s cgi aesthetic), I'm out. They look like XBLA games now, and still play like I'm controlling a water cooler rolling down a big-ass hill.
@PinballBuzzbro Thanks, haha. Calling it the weakest DKC game is WILD though, lol. Have you played DKC 3?
Personally, I'm one of those people who thinks this game is at least as good as Tropical Freeze, maybe even better. The only real downsides are that most of the bosses aren't anything particularly memorable, and the music isn't composed by David Wise. The mandatory Wii motion controls were also a pain, but that's obviously not a problem here or on 3DS. I'm curious why you don't like it.
I guess there's an argument to be made that the game is a little vanilla like New Super Mario Bros. and doesn't bring a whole lot new to the table. But considering how long it had been since there was a new DKC game, and considering Nintendo didn't make four almost identical DKC games over the course of a few years like they did with NSMB, I don't really have a problem with it.
Just to see it in glorious HD yes i will. Maybe not right away though. Now how bout a new DK game? Not some remake of an old ass game but all new. Nintendos main monkey has been outta work for far too long.
Out of everything Nintendo had announced this was probably the least interesting. We are overdue for a new Donkey Kong game.
Not for that price. This game should have been $39 to $49 USD max. They are looking to grab people that did not play it the first time around. Guess I will just play the myriad of other platformers available.
Coming soon... Donkey Kong country 1 remake...
@Narrator1 Wii not Wii U
I’d rather try Tropical Freeze, but if I end up loving that I might wheel back around for this one..?
The attached poll should've had an "I'll buy it when it goes on sale" option. $60 for a 14 year old game is a bit too steep. I don't even think most brand new releases are worth $60.
Yhea, I bought it twice now that's enough! 😂
Give us something new and I'm in!
For people who haven't played it yet: it's so worth it, tightest and most challenging Nintendo platformers ever! (Good luck with those golden rooms, I did it once and never again! 😂)
The reason I might even remotely consider getting this is for the chance of playing the 3DS exclusive extra levels on a big screen with HD resolution and full 60 FPS. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't. I simply do not have the time to invest given my extensive backlog of unplayed games. I didn't get the Switch version of Tropical Freeze either, having already played it on the Wii U.
I bought Luigis Mansion 2 on launch day; okay, but this one for some reason feels more unjustifiable at full price. I will buy it, but not immediately, and most likely pre owned. It took many years before I cracked and bought tropical freeze for switch either
I will....when it's not bloody $60 for a third release. I refuse to pay that much.
The Nintendo Switch version of it is like way better than its 3DS counterpart & Wii counterpart, so yes, I'll get that game when I have the chance.
No, partly because I have it on 3DS and partly because Returns is the weakest of the DKC games. Fight me.
As much of a fan I am of the SNES DKC games, this along with Tropical Freeze I just couldn’t get down with. They aren’t bad games at all, but for some reason I just couldn’t click with them.
Yes definitely I love all the Donkey Kong games so I preordered 😁
And the music in Donkey Kong is awesome 👏
Day 1 if it's shown in the reviews that they've fixed the graphical errors that were present in the trailer, otherwise I'll get it on a sale or used down the road.
I played tropical freeze on the Wii U but not this game, so definitely picking it but not for a few months. Still need to get Pikmin 4 and Radiant Silvergun first.
No thanks, I decided to avoid remasters and remakes, especially those with easily available original versions and weird changes or censorship. The Wii version costs around 15 €. Please release a new Donkey Kong game.
I like Returns. It is a fun game.
Paper mario, mario RPG, and Luigi 2 were all a bit of a let down (brought nothing new), and I still have the 3DS version so I will pass.
Yes as I see it as the ultimate version since I didn't like the Wii controls and DS one was handheld only. Plus I want to play co-op with my nephew, Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is one of our favourite games to play together.
I am not much of a DK platformer fan, but I am going to have a real go with Returns HD. I think the UK store offers are pretty cool to go with it.
I am playing the 3DS version now. Will buy the Tropical Freeze rather than this one.
I don't think I'll get it day one, but I've seen the bonuses from the Nintendo Shop and they make it hard for me not to budge... That barrel pencil holder looks too good to pass on...
It's another previous Selects title being sold for full price. Nintendo would have to cut the price in half, at least, for me to even consider it.
Maybe. Eventually. I'm really not the biggest DK fan. His platforming games are great but ultimately don't do much for me, personally. I'll probably get it if I can get it for cheap enough.
Although I did own a copy on the Wii, for whatever strange reason I never really played it properly at the time... I think it was just at a time in my life when I was more interested in going out socialising with friends / girls than playing video games.
So it will almost feel like a brand new game when I do pick it up.
I am not sure if I should get this one. Still own it on Wii. The 3DS levels do make it interesting though.
I'm also still eyeing Tropical Freeze, which I own on Wii U. But actually not sure if I really feel like playing through these games again, even though it has been a long time since I've last played them.
I will first see if I can get a physical version of Nikoderiko, then consider if I'm still in the mood for this kind of games.
There, I've made up my mind. 😅
60€ !!! for a remaster version ? are they crazy?
It's my favorite DK game, so of course I'm getting it! The 3DS version had terrible controls, I hope they don't mess up with this one. It should be the definitive edition.
day one, it'll be nice to finally have a version that runs at 60 fps with normal controls and the 3DS extra levels
I still have no idea why they thought shaking the Wii remote to roll in the Wii version was a good idea
Probably, but not until it's 40€ or less.
@the_beaver I think 3DS version controlled extremely well, but the game was 30fps which is not ideal for a platformer.
Yet another 'cash cow' for Nintendo?
Love how there was rumours for ages about a new 3D DK game and then we get um... remakes of this and Mario vs DK......... Like major let down, let's be real. This game isn't as good as tropical freeze so what's the point?
@KoopaTheGamer I don't know what was, but something felt really off when I tried the 3DS version (fortunately I didn't buy it). I remember the Wii game having an exquisite gameplay feeling.
I just hope this new version feels the same way I remember that.
@YoshiTails This game is better that Tropical Feeeze in my opinion, and it's COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. So there you have the point.
It's like people asking for Mario Galaxy 2 HD when they already have the first one.
I really hope they fixed some of the downgrade issues, that had been apparent in the revel trailer, even compared to the 3DS-Version. Those don't seem like a dealbreaker, but avoidable and hit the atmosphere a little bit, which is one of the strongest aspects of the series.
Anyway, I've been looking forward to this, since forever, because it includes the button controls of the 3DS-version with adequate modern technical realisation.
I'm also a huge fan of the DKC-games. So, this will be day one, no matter the price point.
I understand what's going on here. This game is FANTASTIC, mind you, one of the best platformers of the century, and this version, as someone else said, will be the first time the game's playable with proper controls, and in HD (so it's something I personally appreciate a lot, as it's my favorite DK game).
HOWEVER, I know that this is not what DK fans expected, as we've been ages waiting for a new game in the series (Tropical Freeze was released 10 years ago). This DK Returns is welcome addition indeed, but should've come out AFTER A NEW ENTRY in the series. That way it would've sold much more, imo.
I understand that not many people are happy with this game because of the timing, but I repeat: it's a great game nevertheless. Totally worth it.
Preordered it physically discounted from my usual retailer here in Italy, will try to start it as soon as it arrives because I want to finally play a Donkey Kong Country game properly (have barely played the first game in the series on emulator back in the day although I've at least watched others playing it now) - eventually got this on 3DS while I missed it on Wii, but I'd definitely rather play it on Switch!
I love Donkey Kong, but have still got my Wii original version so not too fussed, especially with the newly added visual issues. Didn't get the Tropical Freeze port either, had recently finished the original Wii U release a second time. Not typically a fan of buying the same game multiple times unless there has been significant improvements, got other things in life to pay for
Tropical Freeze is a much better game! Who would bother with this without any additional content!
I might buy it for a modest price down the line.
Enjoyed DK freeze til the end and found it better than Mario but didn't stick with me emotionally.
@Znake I think it has the 3DS content added in. And the 3DS version didn't have multiplayer. So this is probably the definitive version by technicality.
If anything it's made me want to buy Tropical Freeze!
(Not a dig, I just already have this on Wii and 3DS)
Nah I'll probably grab Tropical Freeze though. It's a shame we haven't had a new game in the series for over 10 years though.
I might, quite recently played through the Wii version on my wiiu and it was ok, but a but redundant after tropical freeze... since I probably will have to buy a switch 2 in 2025 I'm not going to spend 50 pounds on a remake...
Adding an extra heart to both DK and Diddy makes a challenging game into a cakewalk. Why did they have to dumb it down like that? Hard pass.
@romanista Actually, Tropical Freeze was redundant lol. Returns came first, so...
In my opinion, TF was a bit too similar to this one, that's probably why I prefer Returns.
*getting it for the fourth time now.
wii, 3ds, wii u eshop, switch
@Reztobi it's either Metroid or Donkey Kong. We were deprived of Metroid for so long. I'm sure they'll go back after the Prime Trilogy and 4 get released.
I'm so sick of the retreads. make new games please.
I'm not buying remakes on switch 2, if I even get one. enough.
Y'all really missed out on Wii U. It was the last time Nintendo was Nintendo. ✌️
I love this game on Wii but hate the waggle controls, so the Switch port is super tempting... if it were only $30. But at full price for an old game I already own? No way.
@rio_j this is from the OPTIONAL easy mode the 3DS version had, the original mode was still there and I'm 100% sure it'll still be in the Switch version
İ can buy this game again. İ have played this game on the Nintendo Wii and İ can play it again. İt was a very good game. Because İ do not remember much about the game any more. Now İ can play it again. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze was a incredible game too. That one İ have played on the Nintendo Switch. That two Donkey Kong Country games are still incredible in this time. Still good.
Yes, I want to play the game with normal controller and not a wiimote. Only need zelda the wind waker and twilight princess now.
Donkey Kong Country returns is one of my favourite games of all time, so I will be getting it again. I've beat it 100% and plan to do so again because it was so fun!
Absolutely! Tropical Freeze is pretty much my top favorite platformer of all time. Back in the day my ex-girlfriend played DKCR and she loved it, but I never got around to it. Always wanted to so I'm looking forward to finally playing it.
I totally understand those that are tired of re-releases. However I have to admit for people like me that missed the boat back then it's perfect for me. Since having Switch I've been able to play games I missed and never thought would come around again reasonably. Tropical Freeze, Call of Juarez Gunslinger, Skyward Sword, Red Faction GW Remastered, DMC 3 are just a few examples I've had a blast playing because of the Switch!
No, it's a great game but, well, I already have it. Surely it's time for a brand new DK?
How many times is Donkey Kong Country gonna return? lol
I’m not getting it though. Never really enjoyed this one much.
@Sylamp OMG thank you for letting me know, I thought they'd dumbed it down because every single trailer or screenshot showed all those hearts and I was straight up furious about it. Now I might be tempted to buy it, I liked this one so much better than Tropical Freeze. Thanks again!!!
Nope. Returns is the second worst DK game I've ever played.
@Not_Soos DKC3 at least has good atmosphere and great boss fights. Returns has its merits but at the end of the day it’s bogged down by bad character designs that look like clip art, annoying gimmick segments that overstay their welcome, and for the most part none of the atmosphere that made the first 3 games or even tropical freeze great.
It’s not a bad game by any means, but it’s easily the dkc game I hold in the lowest regard
As a huge DKC fan, I’ll get it as soon as possible, but not full retail price. Recently in Europe, a lot of retailers sold new Switch releases such as Jamboree, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Mario & Luigi: Brothership at 48€ on launch day. I hope they do the same for DKC Returns HD. Otherwise, I will wait for a sale.
I'm actually really hyped for it. DKC Returns was one of those games that didn't really have a definitive version. The Wii version looked much better and ran at a smooth 60 frames. The 3ds version controlled much better and had extra levels. Now we get an HD version with the 60 frames of the Wii version and the controls and levels of the 3ds one. Yes please.
Nah don't need it as I already have it for Wii and 3DS. Not dipping for this game again.
I’ll be honest, sadly I haven’t touched my Switch OLED in probably about 4 months. I’ve been playing my pc and Steam Deck though. I really think it’s time for Nintendo to release their new console.
I am not a big Donkey Kong platformer fan, but I preordered from the My Nintendo Store with the extra bits.
I am just buying a game of month for Switch, although GI Joes and Legos are also calling, yes I am a grown arse man.
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