Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Gets New Free Update

Donkey Kong Country Returns has “returned” yet again, with the HD Switch port receiving a new 1.1.0 update out of the blue. This update brings with it some great new features, alongside some Switch 2 exclusive resolution and performance boosts.

The first of the new gameplay additions, available to players on both Switch and Switch 2 systems, is the inclusion of Dixie Kong! She functions the same as she did in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, providing DK with an extra boost of height to his jumps, making for a far smoother and easier time when it comes to grabbing certain collectibles, like puzzle pieces.

When playing in single player, barrels will rotate between Diddy and Dixie just as they did in Tropical Freeze, and when playing multiplayer, P2 can swap between the two companions on the world map screen before entering a level.

The far more interesting and worthwhile addition the update brings though, is the new form of time attack mode, dubbed “Turbo Attack Mode;” this dramatically increases the game speed, for an interesting new challenge for new and returning players. This mode will be unlocked on a per-level basis, alongside the regular time attack mode, and you can earn a Turbo Medal for each stage completed within the time limit.

For Switch 2 users, some additional features will be available once your game is updated, including a resolution boost to 4K to match the console’s output capabilities. Additionally, the loading times have been decreased significantly on Switch 2, since the Switch port actually had the slowest load times of any release of the game previously. GameShare has also been implemented, specifically for local play.

What do you think of the new Donkey Kong Country Returns update? Will you be returning to it yourself, or checking out the game for the first time? Let us know in the comments below!