The 2025 re-release of the Wii console-exclusive Donkey Kong Country Returns was something of a dream come true for fans wanting the original Switch to be an all-encompassing way to enjoy DKC's 2D platforming adventures -- even if it did come with the limitations of it being a Switch game. That did limit the resolution and overall fidelity, even if they were a giant increase over the Wii and later 3DS ports visually and control-wise. Today, Nintendo has shadow-dropped the biggest update to DKC Returns HD yet, with big upgrades for the Switch 2.
The biggest gameplay change is the addition of Dixie Kong, who like in the original SNES DKC Trilogy, is a Godsend for tricky platforming sections thanks to her hair helicopter. Dixie shows up as a pink DK barrell and jumping allows Donkey Kong to reach new heights and extends his jump as well. She's a fantastic upgrade from a gameplay perspective and the HD version of the game already has some quality-of-life improvements with the Modern Mode offering up more items and health pickups to ensure an easier time to regular stages, while boss battles retain their regular difficulty...
