Surprise! Nintendo has released an unexpected free update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, adding Dixie Kong and a new Turbo Attack mode for the game on both Switch and Switch 2.
The Switch 2 version of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD gets additional improvements, meanwhile, with improved loading times, higher resolution visuals, and the ability to play in co-op with a friend who doesn't have the game themselves via GameShare.
Swapping out Diddy Kong for Dixie allows you to benefit from her higher, further jumps. Turbo Attack, meanwhile, tasks you with clearing levels at breakneck speed and within a tough time limit. In other words, Nintendo seems to have added something here for both new players and veterans.
A free update is rolling into #DonkeyKong Country Returns HD!
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
While today's update has dropped out of the blue, Nintendo has been updating its many games originally released for Switch with fresh features, and improvements for those now playing on Switch 2. Some of these have included paid upgrades — such as last week's Animal Crossing: New Horizons update — while Donkey Kong Country Returns HD's new additions are free.
Today's full Donkey Kong Country Returns HD patch notes lie below.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: Ver. 1.1.0 (released January 20, 2026) patch notes:
The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch:
The following updates have been made when playing the game on Nintendo Switch 2:
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
