Here at Punk Rock Press, we’re all about celebrating things that break the mold, and few franchises have done that as consistently as Donkey Kong Country. From its groundbreaking visuals on the SNES to its pitch-perfect platforming, this series has been a staple of gaming for decades—and a favorite of mine. Having played (and loved) every single original Donkey Kong Country game, I couldn’t be more thrilled about the upcoming release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD for the Nintendo Switch on January 16, 2025.
This remastered version of the 2010 Wii classic brings the game Into the modern era with crisp HD graphics and the bonus levels from the Nintendo 3DS version. For newcomers like me who missed it the first time around, this is a chance to experience DK and Diddy’s quest to reclaim their banana hoard from the nefarious Tiki Tak Tribe for the very first time. Plus, the inclusion of a new “Modern Mode” makes the game more accessible for those who want a smoother experience, while still keeping the challenge we know and love intact.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD promises to deliver everything that makes this series special: tight platforming, a killer soundtrack, and, of course, the charm of the Kong family.
I’ll be picking up this game on launch day and diving headfirst into the jungle. Keep your eyes on Punk Rock Press—once I’ve had a chance to play through it, I’ll be dropping a full review to let you know if it lives up to the high bar set by the originals. Spoiler alert: I’ve got a feeling it will.
Until then, let’s count down the days to January 16 and get ready to barrel-blast our way back into the world of Donkey Kong.
Stay punk, stay hyped, and see you in the jungle.
