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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Release Date and Time

by Alfonso Majarucon

Donkey and Diddy Kong walking together on a tropical jungle in DK island, with Rambi and Krazy Kalimba attending to their own business in the background

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Release Date Gameplay & Story Pre-Order & DLC Review

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Release Date and Time

Released Enhancements for Nintendo Switch 2 on January 21, 2026

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD logo with text that says Free Update Available Now, Donkey Kong in the background leaping inside a Tiki Tak tribe temple

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD released its free Version 1.1.0 update on January 21, 2026, for Nintendo Switch. This update also brings enhancements to the game when run on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, featuring enhanced visuals and faster loading times.


Digital Storefronts
Switch IconSwitch
$59.99

Released January 16, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch

Donkey and Diddy Kong riding Rambi inside a flooded temple as they charge from a platform towards a row of wooden red spikes

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on January 16, 2025, priced at $59.99.


Digital Storefronts
Switch IconSwitch
$59.99

Is Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Xbox Game Pass?

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will not be available on Xbox consoles, so it won’t be available on Xbox Game Pass.

Xbox Game Pass Game List | Tiers Explained and Listed by Genre

Is Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on PS Plus?

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will not be available on PS Plus.

PlayStation Plus Games List | Tiers Explained and Listed by Genre

Is Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on Nintendo Switch Online?

No, the game is not available on Nintendo Switch Online. It will only make use of its Save Data Cloud feature.

Nintendo Switch Online Game List | Tiers Explained and Listed by Genre

Announcement History

January 21, 2026

Nintendo dropped the free Ver 1.1.0 update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, along with an overview trailer. The new update adds Dixie Kong, enhancements on Nintendo Switch 2 systems, and more!

January 16, 2025

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on January 16, 2025.

Available to Pre-Order - December 10, 2024

A new trailer for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD featured the opening cinematic and announced that the game is now available for pre-order at $59.99.

Nintendo Direct June 2024

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was first revealed during the Nintendo Direct on June 18, 2024, with a cinematic and gameplay trailer.

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Comments

Alfonso Majarucon
Obsessed with high fantasy and zombie novels, as well as gacha games. Spends most of his nights trying to write a webnovel, but ends up playing Eternal Return until passing out instead.

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