Dixie Kong Joins Donkey Kong Country Returns HD in Surprise Update

Nintendo has delivered an unexpected gift to fans of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. In a surprise move, the company released a free update on January 21, 2026, that significantly expands the game's content and features.

The update introduces the beloved Dixie Kong as a playable character, allowing players to experience the game with her unique abilities. Alongside this character addition, a new Turbo Attack mode has been implemented, offering a fresh and challenging way to tackle the game's levels. The update is available for both the Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch 2, with the latter platform receiving additional technical improvements.

The headline feature of this update is the addition of Dixie Kong to the roster. Players can now choose to play as her in both single-player and two-player local co-op modes. Her gameplay differs from Diddy Kong, offering a distinct experience for those who master her moves.

Her primary advantage lies in her jumping capabilities. Dixie Kong can perform higher and farther jumps than her counterpart, providing new strategic options for navigating tricky platforming sections. This change allows for fresh approaches to familiar levels.

Switching between characters is designed to be seamless:

• In single-player, you can swap between Dixie and Diddy when grabbing a barrel.
• In two-player co-op, the second player can change characters on the world map.

This flexibility ensures that players can adapt their strategy on the fly, whether they prefer Dixie's aerial prowess or Diddy's established playstyle.

For players seeking a new challenge, the update introduces Turbo Attack mode. This mode tasks players with clearing entire levels at a breakneck pace, all while adhering to a tough time limit. It's designed to test both precision and speed.

Once a course is cleared at least once, the Turbo Attack mode becomes available alongside the existing Time Attack mode. Successfully completing a level within the designated time limit rewards players with a turbo medal, adding a new collectible for completionists to chase.

This mode adds a significant layer of replayability, offering a high-stakes alternative for veterans who have already mastered the standard gameplay. It transforms familiar stages into intense speedrunning challenges.

While the core update is available on both platforms, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD receives a suite of exclusive enhancements. These improvements leverage the newer hardware to create a smoother and more visually impressive experience.

Key upgrades for Switch 2 players include:

• Improved Loading Times: Levels load faster, reducing downtime between stages.
• Higher Resolution Visuals: Optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
• GameShare Functionality: A notable new feature allowing local co-op with a friend who does not own the game.

The GameShare feature is particularly significant, as it lowers the barrier for local multiplayer. One player can host the game, and a friend can join the session without needing to purchase their own copy, making it easier to enjoy the game's co-op modes together.

Beyond the major content additions, the update also includes several quality-of-life improvements. Notably, the game now supports Brazilian Portuguese, expanding its accessibility to a wider audience in Brazil. This language can be selected from the system settings menu.

Furthermore, the patch notes confirm that several other issues have been addressed and that general image quality has been enhanced across both platforms. These tweaks aim to polish the overall gameplay experience, ensuring smoother performance and fewer bugs.

This comprehensive approach demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to supporting its titles long after their initial release, providing value to the existing player base while also making the game more inviting for newcomers.

This surprise update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a clear indicator of Nintendo's ongoing strategy to keep its game library vibrant. By adding meaningful content like Dixie Kong and the Turbo Attack mode at no extra cost, the company reinforces the value of its digital and physical purchases.

The enhancements for the Switch 2 also highlight a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that legacy titles continue to feel fresh and optimized on new hardware. As Nintendo continues to update its back catalog, players can look forward to more unexpected additions that breathe new life into beloved classics.