Summary
Donkey Kong Country Returns HDmakes a change to the background by removing the Wii remote from the Donkey Kong statue and replacing it with a Switch Joy-Con.Donkey Kong Country Returns HDis the latest version of the classic Wii platformer, originally released in 2010.
Donkey Kong Country Returnson the Wii earned critical acclaim at the time of its release, praised as a successful return of the belovedDonkey Kong Countrysub-series. The game was later ported to the Nintendo 3DS with additional features, including an easier difficulty option and eight new levels. Now Nintendo is gearing up toreleaseDKCRyet again, but this time with high-definition graphics on the Nintendo Switch.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HDis scheduled to release for the Nintendo Switch on Jul 30, 2025. It’s expected to be virtually identical to previous versions of the game, though GameXplain noticed a small but clever change. As spotted inDonkey Kong Country Returns HDgameplay videos, the Donkey Kong statue that can be spotted in the background is holding a red Switch Joy-Con instead of a Wii remote. The statue held aWii remotein the 3DS version of the game, too, so this change was made specifically for the new Switch release.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Makes a Change to the Background
Besides pointing out this neat Easter egg, the video seems to be poking fun at the fact that the footage of the Wii and Switch versions ofDonkey Kong Country Returns HDlook almost identical. While they will offer near 1:1 experiences in terms of gameplay, there are actually some important ways thatDonkey Kong Country Returns HDstands out from the Wii version. The HD graphics are the most obvious, but those that only played the Wii release and skipped the 3DS version may be tempted to pick up the Switch version for other reasons.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HDcould be considered the ultimate version of the game as it includes all the new content that was released for the 3DS port, including the eight new levels and easier difficulty options. It will also give home console players the chance to experienceDonkey Kong Country Returnswithout the divisive motion controls that were required for the Wii release. I personally never had a problem with theDonkey Kong Country Returnsmotion controls, but it’s nice to have the option to play with more traditional controls. In any case, it will be interesting to see if there are any other smaller changes hidden throughout the Switch version of the game when it launches next month.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
WHERE TO PLAY
Help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong recover their precious banana hoard from the villainous Tiki Tak Tribe! Stomp enemies, blast through barrels, and ride rockets and mine carts (and even Rambi the rhino) in 80 levels across nine worlds.Play the game as it was first designed for the Wii™ system, or reduce the difficulty for extra hearts and other goodies to make your journey a little easier. This barrel-blasting adventure is visually enhanced in HD for the Nintendo Switch™ system and includes the extra levels from the Nintendo 3DS™ version!Team up with a friend and take on the whole game as Donkey Kong and Diddy KongPass a Joy-Con™ controller to a buddy and take on the Tiki Tak Tribe as DK and Diddy in two-player local play. Pelt foes with Diddy’s Peanut Popgun and hover using his Barrel Jet, and slam bad guys into submission with DK’s Ground Pound—or just Barrel Roll right through them. Work together to reclaim those bananas by the bunch!
