Nintendo Switch Online has added another retro gem to its Game Boy lineup: Donkey Kong Land. This 1995 handheld classic is now available for subscribers, perfectly timed to follow the 30th anniversary celebration of Donkey Kong Country.
The game is a standout in Donkey Kong’s history, offering players a unique experience distinct from its SNES counterpart. It combines the charming pre-rendered graphics and challenging platforming of Donkey Kong Country with an entirely new storyline. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong must reclaim their stolen banana hoard from King K. Rool, navigating over 30 levels across four worlds, from pirate ships to snow-capped mountains.
Getting started is as easy as updating your Game Boy app on the Switch. Players can use the original Game Boy green-tint filter, the sleeker Pocket style, or even add a pop of color with the Game Boy Color mode. Nintendo also released a short gameplay trailer showcasing familiar mechanics like animal companions and treacherous platforming sections, which still hold up remarkably well today.
Donkey Kong Land joins a growing roster of Rare classics on Nintendo Switch Online. Fans have already enjoyed titles like Banjo-Kazooie on the N64 app, and now this Game Boy addition highlights Rare’s continued influence on Nintendo’s retro catalog. While some titles, like Donkey Kong 64, remain absent, there’s hope for future updates to expand the service further.
If you’re a fan of the Kong family, the fun doesn’t stop here. In January, the HD remaster of Donkey Kong Country Returns is set to launch, giving fans yet another reason to celebrate this iconic franchise.
So whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, now’s the perfect time to swing into action with Donkey Kong Land on Nintendo Switch Online.
