Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: New File Size Announced for Switch Version

With only a few days left until its launch, gamers eagerly await to download and dive into Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on the Nintendo Switch, which requires a storage space of about 8.3 gigabytes. This new version is slightly more compact than its original, which took up about 9GB, but still packs the core content from the Wii game and the bonus levels that were introduced in its 3DS version.

Donkey Kong Country stands as one of Nintendo’s most beloved platformer series, debuting on the Super Nintendo and quickly gaining a massive following with its innovative level designs, memorable characters, and captivating soundtrack. The franchise, originating with Banjo-Kazooie’s developer Rare, became a cornerstone of the SNES in the early ’90s and spawned numerous sequels across subsequent gaming consoles.

Now, one of the series’ most acclaimed entries, Donkey Kong Country Returns, is getting a facelift for the Nintendo Switch. The updated version boasts a file size of approximately 8.3 gigabytes, down from the original 9GB. This places it slightly above the size of the previous mainline entry, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, which measured at under 7GB for its Switch release.

Launching on the Nintendo Switch this January 16, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD delivers not only the beloved gameplay fans expect but also additional content from the 3DS version and enhanced graphics. Players will once again join Donkey Kong and his trusty sidekick, Diddy Kong, navigating a fantastical tropical island filled with diverse platforming challenges.

Despite its enduring popularity, the Donkey Kong Country series has been absent from the spotlight for over a decade, with the last new entry, Tropical Freeze, debuting on the Wii U in 2014. Although that game was later ported to the Switch, it did not lead to further new titles, with the focus instead shifting to refreshed editions.

Nonetheless, Nintendo’s distinguished tropical ape hasn’t been idle, making appearances in other beloved franchise titles like Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and even Super Mario Party Jamboree, enriching the character’s presence in various gaming narratives and uniting fans across different game genres.

In this updated adventure, players are tasked with helping Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong reclaim their precious banana stash from the villainous Tiki Tak Tribe, featuring captivating gameplay that includes blasting through barrels, bouncing off enemies, and more across numerous levels and worlds. The game gives players the option to experience the classic Wii mechanics or opt for a new, more forgiving difficulty level, complete with additional aids to smooth out the journey.

Furthermore, the HD version allows cooperative play, letting fans team up locally. By sharing a Joy-Con controller, friends can navigate the colorful terrains, combining Diddy’s Peanut Popgun and DK’s Ground Pound to reclaim their treasure, offering a fresh take on a nostalgic classic that gamers old and new can enjoy together.