Pre-orders are now open for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, the latest game that is swinging back to action on the Nintendo Switch.
The game was originally released in 2010 for the Wii and was later ported to the Nintendo 3DS in 2013. Donkey and Diddy Kong are now returning with remastered graphics and everything that was offered in both previous versions of the popular side-scrolling platformer.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Opens Pre-Orders
(Photo : Nintendo / Screenshot taken from official website)
The exact release date of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is Jan. 16, 2025, and is essentially marketed as the "definitive" edition of the game. It will offer the original challenge of the Wii version while also giving you the chance to play with the easier 3DS settings.
Additionally, players can choose to take on the 80-level, nine-world gauntlet as Donkey and Diddy Kong in either solo or two-player co-op modes. Those who are looking to get the game should note that it is only available in a standard edition and will retail for $60, according to GameSpot.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD provides players with a great opportunity to revisit the 2D platformer but with sharper visuals and new controls. It could also be a good chance for newcomers to try out the game.
However, neither player should actively avoid Donkey Kong Country Returns: Tropical Freeze HD, which is also among the top 2D platformers of all time. The latter is also considered to be a great way to pass the time while waiting for the upcoming game.
Read Also: SteamWorld Heist 2 Not Coming to Game Pass, PR Confirms Logo Error
Despite not being a recent platformer, the original Donkey Kong Country Returns game was challenging and did not pull any punches in this regard. The 3DS version setting in the new game will give you extra hearts and other guidance along your journey.
The game lets players jump over pits, swing on vines, blast out of barrels, collect bananas, and many more. Players who loved the original will surely find new ways to enjoy Donkey Kong Country Returns HD when it releases next year, said IGN.
Improved Graphics and New Features
But one thing that has been the topic of discussion among players is the price of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Last year, Nintendo raised concerns with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom's $70 price tag.
After that, the video game company said that the pricing of its new game releases would be based on a "case-by-case basis." It seems like the latest title to be affected by that is Donkey Kong Country Returns HD with its $60 retail price.
The game's prince for a Nintendo Switch game has stirred up fans who are now questioning the company's "pricing strategy" following last year's Metroid Prime Remastered only cost $40. This also followed Luigi's Mansion 2 HD released for $60.
Nintendo, in efforts to help market the upcoming game, revealed that it essentially includes both the Wii and 3DS levels of the game. Many reports also highlighted that the upcoming title will enjoy "some minor graphical tweaks" and that water effects have gotten a "dramatic glow-up," according to NintendoLife.
Related Article: Street Fighter Movie Reboot Gets Official Release Date Despite Setback
