Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

The puzzle pieces are often incredibly-well hidden. That would be fine if the game wasn’t perfectly satisfactory without drilling into people that these pieces needed to be found. It’s a sour note to finish with and disappointing because the game is otherwise truly brilliant, but those collectibles are largely why I have given up on the platformer genre. Whatever happened to the idea of building a game where it is fun just to go from one end of the level to the other, and still feel validated that, yes, I’ve finished the game at the end of the last level?... With that gripe out of the way, the Nintendo Switch remaster of this classic platformer is the definitive version of it, and anyone who loved playing it previously is going to love the opportunity to play through it again. If you’re newer to video games… this is an essential modern classic.

Donkey Kong is back with yet another remaster that remains very faithful to the original games. The level design, collectibles and many challenges make this game quite an enjoyable experience. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD main game modes offer a fair share of replayability, especially to new players that didn't experience the classic take on the game. This new Donkey Kong remaster definitely checks all the boxes.

And while leaks suggest the Nintendo Switch 2 is imminently on the horizon, it’s brilliant to know at such a late stage in this console’s life that the firm can still deliver nice little surprises like this for gamers...Fun, playable, challenging and packed full of replay value.

With the HD-remake Donkey Kong Country Returns remains an excellent platformer that still shines related to its gameplay and its (improved) visuals. If you already played the versions on Wii or 3DS, the new version on Switch seems a little bit too expensive despite the mostly visual upgrades. But if you love the genre and did not play the original game yet, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a must buy.

Returns is great, but I am so ready for a new Donkey Kong, whether it be a Country game or something else. We’ve had this game for 15 years and yes it stands up, Tropical Freeze we’ve been treated to twice as well. Now Returns is available to play in the best way possible, so if you’ve never dipped in there’s no better time to, but if you’ve already played this before there’s nothing new here really for you. Still a modern classic.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fantastic reminder that the franchise that began on the Super Nintendo in 1994 is a real competitor for Nintendo’s best 2D platforming series, an extremely competitive landscape.

It's one of the best platformers ever, full of beautifully designed levels and a sense of action and fun that's hard to match. However, if you've played it recently, apart from its graphical upgrade, it doesn't have much else new to offer.

After almost 15 years, I really think that Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is worth it. Its design has proven to be very strong over the years and I think the game has aged very well, as it remains as challenging, charismatic and fun as it was in 2010.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD remains a fabulous 2D platformer that retains and expands on the magic of Rare's games: if you haven't played it on Wii and you like the genre, you should, as it's the best version of it yet. But at the same time, as an HD update, it's hard to shake the feeling that it could have offered something more.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the definitive way to experience the game if you haven’t played it already. Its included 3DS modes, levels, and original gameplay offer the best features from its previous two versions in a shiny package so it’s great for first-time players.

Without a doubt, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD can be considered one of the best platformers of the early 21st century. Its gameplay mechanics endure, its music is outstanding, and the challenge is satisfying. There's no doubt about it. We can debate the reason for its existence as part of the 'we don't know what to remaster anymore' movement, but this is an excellent title that can return as many times as it wants and continue to amaze us.

Seeing Donkey Kong return is always a great pleasure, even when it's just the return of a 15-year-old title. Donkey Kong Country Returns was a great title in 2010, and it's still a great title in 2025: its unique gameplay sets it apart from the competition, its art direction hasn't aged a bit, and its content, though identical to the 3DS version, should quench your thirst for platforming in the new year.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a really good platformer that deserves to be rediscovered or discovered for the first time. The art direction may not be top of the line, but it works well, and the level design is even over the top. The pacing of the game is also excellent, providing longevity to a relatively compact experience without letting it slip into banality or repetitiveness.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD brings everything good from both the Wii and 3DS versions of the title to the Nintendo Switch, including the extra levels included in the 3DS version.

Though I did have a couple of grievances, this game was a lot of fun. My stress levels went way down once I stopped trying to 100% every stage. The boss fights are all clever, the controls allow for precise maneuvers, and the visuals are nice and crisp. It took me a little time to get used to the controls, and I kept feeling slower than I would have liked. But the level design is excellent, the soundtrack is choice, and the difficulty never felt unfair. If you haven't played this classic Wii game, now's the time. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a terrific platformer that holds up perfectly today.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great reminder of how good Retro Studios can be, though there’s not too much for returning players.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the definitive way to play the still phenomenal predecessor to Tropical Freeze. While the full retail price point and lack of new content might make it hard to justify a double-dip for those that already played it on Wii/3DS, the resolution bump and visual enhancements makes one of the best Wii platformers feel fresh for a new generation, as long as you can look past the increased load times.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD manages to refine the series’ formula to perfection, featuring a fairly high difficulty level that may frustrate some players, but that we consider acceptable for those seeking a true challenge. The HD remaster on Nintendo Switch doesn’t offer many new additions, but it effectively revitalizes this modern classic, and it’s definitely one you shouldn’t miss if you’re a fan of platformers.

As a re-release, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is pretty lacklustre, but as a video game, it’s still from the very top shelf, and cannot be missed.

The HD remaster of this classic platformer brings improved visuals and fluidity to Nintendo Switch while retaining its challenging gameplay and well-designed levels. However, it lacks significant additions compared to other remasters, making it more appealing to newcomers than returning players.

A deceptively challenging platformer set across 80 wonderfully designed levels.

It's Donkey Kong as we remember it, and sometimes that's enough.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is just as excellent and entertaining a platformer as it was all the way back in 2010. It can be infuriatingly punishing at times, but surpassing its finely crafted challenges delivers an immense rush of satisfaction in both co-op and solo play. This is without question the best way to experience the game today.

Despite Donkey Kong Country Returns HD being flawless in every aspect and a standout example of how to make a platformer, the remaster adds few reasons for returning players to buy it again.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is exactly what we were expecting: a perfect port of the original Nintendo Wii game, now enhanced with levels from the 3DS version and improved graphics.Of course, there could have been additional worlds and something more could have done with the graphics, but Nintendo decided to not make the extra effort.If you’ve never played it before, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience an iconic platformer that continues to stand the test of time.

It looks like a game for kids, but make no mistake: the difficulty level is very tough. There were many moments when we almost threw our controller across the living room, moments when we had to take a break. Especially the levels in which you are in a mine cart are often impossible to complete on the first try, but this difficulty makes the euphoria all the greater when you finally succeed.

With improved visuals, an excellent selection of levels, and demanding yet addictive gameplay, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD remains one of the best platforming experiences. However, the lack of new content only heightens our long-overdue craving for a new Donkey Kong title.

As much as I feel I’m beating up DKC Returns HD, I do love the game, I just happen to love and appreciate Tropical Freeze more. Hopefully this means more platforming DKC titles are on the horizon when Nintendo launches the Switch 2, but until then I’m glad a larger audience of fans can still play DKC Returns.

Third time is the charm with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD as this is the best version of the fifteen-year-old game. It offers a challenging but fair level of difficulty, with the optional Modern Mode knocking down the challenge enough to make it more accessible without sacrificing the original challenge found in Original Mode. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a reminder of why this series was so popular in the mid ‘90s, as it brings back all the classic gameplay elements. It may be a remaster of a fifteen-year-old game which was a throwback to a series that was of comparable age, but it shows that great game design is timeless and there's a place for Donkey Kong Country in the modern gaming world.

Nintendo continues its long tradition of enhancing past games with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. While the third time isn’t quite the charm it could have been—more of the same Retro Studios title that millions have already experienced on past Nintendo systems—the game is still plenty enjoyable, and even more in co-op. The Cranky Kong in me wants a long overdue brand-new entry in the series. But if you’ve missed this game through the years, this oldie is still a goodie, and make sure you don’t miss it a third time. Even though these bananas are looking a little brown at full launch price, grab the game at a discount, and you’ll have a “barrel-blasting adventure!”

Even with these problems and judged in a vacuum, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a masterpiece 2D platformer. Charging $60 for what is essentially a better-looking take on the 3DS version of a game that is 15 years old, however, won't sit right with everyone. Those who played Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D on 3DS may want to wait for a sale, but those who have never played the 3DS version or have never played DKCR at all will get a ton of value out of the game. If nothing else, it's nice to have all the Donkey Kong Country games on Switch, with the release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD giving fans the chance to experience everything the DKC series has to offer on a single platform.

Quotation forthcoming.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD remains a classic and often challenging platformer brought to new life with a gorgeous HD makeover. Unfortunately, aside from a new gameplay mode which makes the game slightly easier and its updated visuals, this remaster is relatively lacking in new features. Still, fans of Donkey Kong or well-designed platformers will find a lot to love here.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fine addition to the Nintendo Switch catalog, the second port of the main series after Tropical Freeze. It's true that it includes very few new features apart from the resolution to justify replaying it if you've played some of the previous versions, but it's also a great experience if you like the genre and are looking for a different, more raw challenge within the platform universe. It has another merit, probably the most important, which is that it reminds Nintendo, especially as we approach a new era, that the world deserves a new Donkey Kong.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Switch is by far the best way to play the game; it avoids the awkwardness of the Wii's controls and doesn't have the visual compromises of the 3DS version. It makes it difficult to be impressed with it as a remaster, especially a full-priced one. There's a lot that could've been done to improve the visuals or add more features to the game, but as it stands, you're basically getting the same game as before. It's still an absolutely fantastic game and well worth playing. If you've already played Donkey Kong Country Returns: Tropical Freeze and are hankering for more, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is well worth picking up. If you haven't played its predecessor/sequel yet, it's better to start there.

Despite its age, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD maintains exceptional quality, offering engaging platforming sequences, visually impressive set-pieces, dazzling vistas, and a high level of difficulty. While the majority of collectibles offer limited in-game value beyond unlocking mirror mode, their inherent appeal, driven by ingrained desire, compels players to seek them out. It's highly replayable and highly addictive, leaving gamers eager to keep playing. It is disappointing that this remaster doesn't include anything new for veterans, but when the foundation is so enjoyable, it's hard to be dissatisfied.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great game on the Switch but offers little new for those who played the original. For newcomers and platforming fans, this is the ultimate version and definitely worth it.

The best version of Donkey Kong Country Returns: An indestructibly good 2D platformer, but still with a high potential for frustration. Graphically, not much has changed, and the price seems too high.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has all the typical characteristics of a Nintendo game: beautiful, full of charisma and with infinite creativity. The story is almost non-existent and the multiplayer chaotic, but this remake shows the strength of the Donkey Kong mascot.

It's a game you can sink your teeth into and master. Even today, it's still a wonderful platformer that I can recommend to anyone who has missed out on it before. However, you should think carefully about whether you are prepared to pay the price if you already own the original.

Fans of the original game will likely devour this remaster, with an appreciation for the care in its visual revamp. Those looking to play it for the first time may be surprised by its high bar of difficulty. But there is a rich (and slightly smug) satisfaction to be found in conquering its many layered worlds – whether you give in to the monkey madness, or maintain a more level head. What matters is that you press on, and greet the game’s many challenges with your ape arms swinging.

The big questions are: was Donkey Kong Country Returns HD necessary? Who would we recommend it to and who wouldn’t we? Well, considering that its previous versions simply don’t fit today’s standards anymore, I think it’s a good thing to have such an outstanding game on the comfort of a Switch, that doesn’t mean that we’re already talking about its third version. It’s a very easy recommendation for those who have never played it. If that’s your case, it should be among your priorities, yes, it’s that good. Things get complicated if you were able to play it on Wii, 3DS or both, since you’ll be receiving practically the same product. I never like to bring up the subject of price in these reviews, but I think it does play an important role here. Probably if it weren’t selling for the $60 it will be at launch, it would be a lot easier to tell you to go for it.

Fifteen years after the dazzling debut of Donkey Kong Country Returns on Wii, the platformer by Retro Studios returns to Nintendo Switch in a remastered edition. While in terms of content, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD simply brings together in one place what was offered by the original and the subsequent porting for 3DS, the graphical update is impressive, with DK Island showing off a renewed richness of color. With a high-profile level design and a world overflowing with secrets, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD presents Nintendo Switch owners with a platformer beloved by fans and critics alike, capable of standing the test of time with flying colors.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers a rigid and "old-school" experience, challenging and punishing with its checkpoints, sometimes bordering on sadism. Yet its level design remains pure and pristine, and the dynamism of its action is unchanged: if you're looking for a demanding game, if you're daring enough to seek substance in depth rather than simply completing stages, it is still one of the best platformers ever made.

Nine worlds of fantastic platform action peppered with generous doses of colorful swearing. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has aged quite well and is still a pleasure to play, even though its sequel Tropical Freeze remains the high point of the series. Given the “full” price, we expected some additions that would justify the additional outlay for this fourth edition of the game, which instead (facelift aside) is identical to its 3DS counterpart.

Nintendo has finally brought a graphically enhanced version of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD from the Wii and 3DS consoles to the Switch. The game remains of high quality even today, and the levels are still just as entertaining. This is indeed the best version of the game currently available to play. It's just unfortunate that the game is being sold at the same price as a new Nintendo game, while, apart from the graphical enhancements, it's essentially the same game that appeared on the 3DS more than ten years ago. Additionally, Tropical Freeze remains the superior Donkey Kong game available on the Switch. However, if you've never played Donkey Kong Country Returns or even tried the version on the 3DS, it can certainly be worth it.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD offers an experience worthy of old-school platform games: both frustrating and exciting at the same time. A timeless jewel that comes to Switch for you to enjoy with your family, now in HD.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the very definition of a remaster that does the job. Its high definition and availability on Nintendo Switch from January 16th allow the uninitiated to discover the Donkey Kong Country formula. Returns remains a very good game of the genre, demanding and accessible. However, it suffers from some flaws due to the fatal comparison with similar games released over the last fifteen years. We would therefore recommend it especially to those who have never tried it. For others, the banana is likely to have a very pronounced taste of déjà vu.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a sweet little upgrade, and it pairs nicely with Donkey Kong Returns: Tropical Freeze also on the Nintendo Switch. For those who’ve never played the game before it’s well-worth picking up, and for those who have I think it’s a good enough remaster to return to, especially if it’s been a while. Hopefully this means we’ll be getting more Donkey Kong Country games in the future, and I’d love to see other Donkey Kong games like Donkey Konga make a comeback as well.

While it's not as strong a game as Tropical Freeze, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great way to introduce younger or less skilled players to the wonderful world of Donkey Kong Country. However, those familiar with the game already through its two previous releases may struggle to find much value in another revisit, even if the visual improvements are numerous but sparse.

Despite its late arrival, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is easily one of the best platformers of the Switch era. It’s equally imaginative and challenging, providing a template for how to reinvigorate a series without losing touch with what made it so special in the first place.

While DKCR HD doesn't revolutionize the game, it still manages to become the definitive version of the title.

It’s been a good while since I’ve played Donkey Kong Country Returns and this HD upgrade has been a delightful reminder of just how much fun Retro Studios’ first stab at the platforming series was. As far as new additions go, this definitely ranks near the bottom when it comes to Nintendo’s Switch porting efforts. That being said, the visual update is certainly pleasant on the eye and it’s hard to argue the game’s sustained quality in level design. If you missed out on the game the first time around, then bump the score up a point. Returning players, meanwhile, will still find a brilliant time awaits, one far more impactful, the longer the gap since your last Donkey Kong Island visit.

Somehow, Donkey Kong Country Returns returned (again), but Nintendo’s third full release of this 2010 Wii platformer is almost as fresh and fun today as it was 15 years ago. DK’s satisfying, weighty movement paves the way for a challenging, momentum-based platformer that demands more skill and precision than the average Nintendo game. But it stays fun rather than frustrating thanks to incredibly impressive level design that explores every clever idea to the fullest and a ton of hidden collectibles worth tracking down. As a remaster specifically, it’s no more than a passable update, with graphics that can only really be described as “good enough” and some outdated elements that could have used more modern touches, like a lack of checkpoints during boss fights and a few obnoxious sections full of one-hit kill obstacles. But Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is still a competent update and easily the best way to play one of the greatest 2D platformers Nintendo has released this century.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a pretty straightforward remaster.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is an interesting case of a Polish remaster of a Nintendo game – another fruit of Polish-Japanese cooperation right after Bloober Team's collaboration with Konami on Silent Hill 2. The gameplay remains very challenging, while the visuals are sharper and more vivid.

If you loved the old Donkey Kong Country games on Super Nintendo and missed Donkey Kong Country Returns when it came out 15 years ago, this is the perfect opportunity to rectify that.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is overshadowed by its successor but remains a very good platformer.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a cult platformer, with some memorable levels and some very fun ones, which is very enjoyable on handheld and allows you to play again in co-op on the TV. It has all the content released to date, including the 3DS extras and all the cutscenes in HD, and if this is your genre or you're a DK fan, you can't miss this classic that, if you want, can test you like no other on Switch.

Suppose we didn’t know this was a remaster of a 15-year-old Wii game. In that case, we’d think it was a completely new, modern, and above all, exceptionally polished platformer that pays brilliant homage to the Super Nintendo classics. The newly balanced difficulty and more accessible controls make this modern classic even better.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great game to play. It always has been and always will be. What's more, you can enjoy it with a friend in local co-op, which adds to the fun. The problem is that this remaster feels too basic. Nintendo has got a little lazy compared to the remasters at the start of the Switch generation, which brought a wagonload of new content.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a fine remaster of the Wii platformer, bringing along all the tweaks from its Nintendo 3DS port. It's not much more than that, but it’s still a great platformer.

Despite it feeling really late in the game to drop this HD re-release, the simple fact is that Donkey Kong Country Returns is a masterclass in tough-yet-exhilarating platforming, and the Switch is now the best place to play it all over again – or for the first time.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a well-executed remaster that, while sticking to the basics, brings back a classic lost to time. It offers challenging gameplay that evokes the great moments of the series' origins on the SNES. However, unlike other remasters, it doesn’t include any new additional content.

A great platformer that could have been even better on the Nintendo Switch.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the third iteration of the 2D platformer and the game continues to be another brilliant Kong quest. A ton of diverse levels, an ample amount of replayability, exceptional controls, noteworthy audio design, and rambunctious gameplay effortlessly fills your heart up with joy. The difficulty may still be a bit harsh for some and lack of updates is extremely underwhelming, but Donkey Kong Country Returns HD proves that Donkey Kong is still going strong! Okay!

Overall, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a flawed but fun game that has very high-quality level design but also some disappointing segments. The occasional wacky controls can throw the average person off of their game. If you haven’t ever played Donkey Country Returns and think you’ll have fun with a platformer with a higher difficulty and emphasis on traversal and exploration, you should consider playing Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.

The Switch version of the game is the best choice for playing Donkey Kong Country, with better graphics, more control options, two-player option, and all the extra content that was added later. The only thing we can complain about the game is that they only offer a 15-year-old game with graphical improvements and a price tag of $60.

The original DKC Returns pushed the genre so far that now, 15 years later, it is obvious just how much this game has aged. Some graphical improvements keep the game fresh but it still can’t hide the outdated design, which makes the new price tag even less justified. It is the definitive edition of this cult classic, yet it did not age all that gracefully.

It's a strange feeling to play this Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. The gaming experience is both exciting and frustrating. Exciting because replaying this adventure fifteen years ago has remained almost intact. Apart from a few aspects of the gameplay that have aged badly (because the gameplay was originally built for the Wiimote and Nunchunk) and its bosses that are still disappointing (like in 2010, it hasn't changed), the game still shines with its ingenious game design, its well-crafted level design and its gameplay that is still as square. Where Donkey Kong Country Returns HD disappoints is in its basic, almost lazy adaptation. Apart from the HD smoothing, it's the same game in every way, and it's true that in 2025, some models have aged. And then, we would have also liked Nintendo to offer us exclusive content for this Switch version, as was the case when the game was released on 3DS in 2013.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is still a fantastic game today. The fact that it stands tall compared to other platformers is a testament to the original release's quality. However, this is the third re-release the game has seen in 15 years, and this one carries a $60 price tag with virtually no new content. For longtime Nintendo fans, it's a hard pill to swallow, especially if you already own past copies. Nothing here, besides HD visuals, makes Donkey Kong Country Returns HD worth buying unless you want to own it on modern hardware. However, if you missed out on the game, it is well worth the price. Returns HD is the definitive version of an incredibly 2D platformer. Those who aim to collect everything in sight will spend dozens of hours here.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD still delivers its share of scintillating simian escapades, but aside from a visual spit shine, not much has been added to the game to keep it competitive with the many excellent 2D platformers that have hit the scene since 2010, including its own sequel. DK completionists and newbies looking for a surprisingly stiff "Nintendo hard" challenge will be happy with this package, but others might want to wait until the big ape has something truly new to beat his chest about.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a great title to rescue from the Wii's library, allowing a new generation of gamers to enjoy this masterful platformer. It didn't need a total overhaul, so it makes sense that it's just an HD rerelease rather than a total remake, but the problem is that it's priced the same as a brand-new 2025 title, which doesn't seem fair no matter how HD it is. If you don't mind the cost, you'll have yet another amazing game on Switch, but if you don't want to drop the full price on a 14-year-old game, I wouldn't blame you.