During the recent Nintendo Direct presentation, the company unveiled a pleasant surprise for fans of the Donkey Kong Country franchise. The critically acclaimed Wii platformer Donkey Kong Country Returns is getting an HD remaster for the Nintendo Switch family of systems.
Titled Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, this updated version will include all the levels from the original 2010 release, along with the additional content that was part of the Nintendo 3DS port. Players can expect the classic jungle antics and side-scrolling action, now revamped with high-definition graphics and performance.
Notably, Nintendo has entrusted the remaster work to Forever Entertainment SA, the same studio behind the well-received Panzer Dragoon remake in 2020. This collaboration stems from a new publishing deal struck between Nintendo and Forever Entertainment back in 2021, with Nintendo providing financial support.
Kolejna niespodzianka (pytanie czy tylko dla mnie). Na Nintendo Direct zobaczyliśmy Donkey Kong County Returns HD, za które odpowiada… Forever Entertainment. Mocna rzecz dla Forka. pic.twitter.com/lspcTTFVK8
— Mateusz Mucharzewski (@mmucharzewski) June 18, 2024
While further details are scarce, fans can likely expect improvements like higher resolutions, smoother performance, and potential new features or modes over the original versions. However, the core Donkey Kong Country Returns experience of cooperative platforming chaos remains intact.
The announcement comes as Nintendo prepares to expand its real-world Super Nintendo World theme park with new Donkey Kong areas. Releasing an updated version of this modern classic serves as a timely way to rekindle interest in the franchise among Switch owners.
For those unfamiliar, Donkey Kong Country Returns pays homage to the classic SNES era while introducing new mechanics like hand-slapping vines. It garnered praise for its creative level design, challenge, and gorgeous visuals powered by Retro Studios.
Donkey Kong fans won’t have to wait too long, as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is scheduled to swing onto the Nintendo Switch on January 16th, 2025. With its respected pedigree and a seasoned remaster studio at the helm, this HD re-release could be the ideal excuse to revisit or experience this Donkey Kong masterpiece for the first time.
