Nintendo has released a free update for the game Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. This update is available for players on both the Nintendo Switch and the newer Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
The most exciting part of this update is the addition of Dixie Kong. She is a well-known member of the Kong family. Players can now choose Dixie in both single-player mode and two-player local co-op mode. When playing as Dixie, she can help Donkey Kong jump higher. Her ponytail spins around like a propeller, allowing her to reach new heights that might be difficult to get to otherwise. It is a fun ability that adds a new way to explore the game levels.
In addition to Dixie Kong, the update also brings a new mode called Turbo Attack. This mode challenges players to race through high-speed versions of each level. The goal is to reach the end of the level before the time limit runs out. Based on the preview video for this update, players will need fast reflexes to make all the jumps and avoid obstacles in time.
While the new character and game mode are available on both the Switch and Switch 2, there are specific improvements for the newer console. The Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game now features enhanced resolution and higher-definition graphics. Load times have also been made quicker, making the game start up faster.
This release continues the long history of Donkey Kong Country Returns. The game originally launched on the Nintendo Wii. It was later ported to the Nintendo 3DS, and then to the Nintendo Switch as an HD version. Now, it receives an upgrade for the Switch 2, showing how the game keeps returning to new consoles over the years.
Nintendo has also added GameShare support to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. This feature allows players to share the game with others. Below is the official trailer for the update, which shows off the new features.
If you have not played Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Switch or Switch 2 yet, you might be wondering if it is worth trying. When the game was released last year, reviewer Katharine Castle described it as a straightforward remaster. She noted that while it might not outshine the Switch port of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, it is still a challenging and satisfying platformer. She mentioned that the game holds up well even today. Katharine gave the game three stars in her review.
