In a surprising move, Nintendo has rolled out a substantial free expansion for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. This update enriches the experience with a fan-favorite playable character, a high-octane game mode, and significant technical optimizations tailored for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The headline addition is Dixie Kong, who joins the roster with her signature aerial prowess. Much like her previous outings, Dixie utilizes her ponytail as a makeshift helicopter rotor, allowing players to glide across expansive chasms and provide Donkey Kong with a vital vertical boost. While Dixie is now fully playable, the cooperative structure remains anchored to the lead protagonist; one player must still control DK, meaning the iconic Diddy and Dixie pairing from the original sequels is not currently an option.
For those who crave a faster pace, the update introduces the Turbo Attack mode. This challenge invites players to navigate high-speed iterations of classic stages, testing their reflexes against a demanding timer. It’s a perfect addition for speedrunners and veterans looking to push their platforming skills to the limit.
Beyond content additions, the update leverages the power of the Switch 2 to deliver enhanced visual fidelity and significantly snappier load times. Furthermore, Nintendo has implemented Game Share support, a consumer-friendly feature that enables local cooperative play between two consoles even if only one player owns a digital copy of the game.
This comprehensive update is available for download starting today. If you’re curious about how the base game holds up, you can read our full Donkey Kong Country Returns HD review for a deeper dive into this jungle adventure.
