Nintendo has rolled out an unannounced update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, adding a playable character and a new challenge mode across both the original Switch release and its newer hardware counterpart. The update arrives without preamble or marketing buildup, continuing the company’s recent pattern of quietly revisiting older titles with incremental changes rather than sweeping revisions.
The most notable addition is Dixie Kong, who can now be selected in place of Diddy Kong. Her inclusion subtly changes how the game plays, particularly during platforming-heavy sections. Dixie’s ability to extend jumps by hovering gives players a slightly different approach to level navigation, favoring precision and recovery over speed. For solo players, switching between Dixie and Diddy Kong is handled at the barrel pickup, while co-op players can swap the secondary character on the world map. It is a small adjustment mechanically, but one that longtime fans will immediately recognize as meaningful, especially in later stages where timing is less forgiving.
A free update is rolling into #DonkeyKong Country Returns HD!
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 21, 2026
Swing into action as Dixie Kong in both single-player and two-player local co-op, and race through high-speed versions of each level in Turbo Attack. Plus, players on #NintendoSwitch2 can enjoy enhanced resolution,… pic.twitter.com/k66mpkhaOC
Alongside the character update, Nintendo has introduced a Turbo Attack mode. This new option challenges players to clear familiar stages under strict time limits while moving at increased speed. Unlocking Turbo Attack requires first completing a course, after which it appears alongside the existing Time Attack mode. Success is rewarded with a turbo medal, giving completion-focused players another reason to revisit levels they may already know by heart. The mode does not redefine the game, but it adds a sharper edge for those looking to test mastery rather than simply finish the campaign.
Players on the newer hardware benefit from additional technical changes. These include shorter loading times, higher-resolution visuals optimized for modern displays, and local GameShare support, allowing co-op play with someone who does not own the game. The update also expands language support with the addition of Brazilian Portuguese, reflecting Nintendo’s ongoing effort to broaden accessibility across its catalog.
Notably, all of these changes are being distributed at no cost. This stands in contrast to other recent updates, such as the paid upgrade for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, highlighting a mixed approach in how Nintendo is handling legacy titles. In this case, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD receives modest but thoughtful additions that respect the original structure while offering just enough variation to make a return visit worthwhile.
