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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD: Release Date Announced

by Jacob Apr 15,2025

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It's been nearly 15 years since the iconic Nintendo Wii launch of Donkey Kong Country Returns. If you've been eager to experience this exceptional platformer but never owned a Wii, Wii U, or 3DS, Nintendo is now offering you the perfect opportunity with the Switch release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.

Priced at $59.99, this port is a beautifully remastered version of the Wii original, boasting enhanced graphics and incorporating additional levels from the 2013 3DS release. Of course, the beloved co-op play feature makes a return, ensuring you can share the adventure with a friend.

For those opting for the digital version on the Switch, knowing the precise eShop release time can enhance your excitement as you prepare to dive in the moment it goes live.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Release Time and Date

Nintendo is known for not typically sharing specific release times for its digital titles on the Switch eShop. However, their support page indicates that most first-party games, including Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, are set to launch at 9 PM PT the evening before the official release date.

This means you can start playing Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on January 15 at 9 PM if you're in California. For other regions, here are the corresponding times:

  • January 15 at 10 PM MT (Denver)
  • January 15 at 11 PM CT (Chicago)
  • January 16 at 12 AM ET (New York)
  • January 16 at 5 AM GMT (London)
  • January 16 at 6 AM CET (Berlin)
  • January 16 at 1 PM CST (Beijing)
  • January 16 at 2 PM JST (Tokyo)
  • January 16 at 4 PM AEDT (Melbourne)

If you're craving more Donkey Kong action, you can also check out Donkey Kong Land 3, recently released on Nintendo Switch Online.