The launch of Nintendo Switch 2 could be the perfect opportunity to usher in a new era for Donkey Kong. The franchise remains one of Nintendo’s best series, with a number of groundbreaking titles that have proven to be some of the best games on their respective consoles. Despite this success, Donkey Kong It has recently gone through a strange period of dormancy, which has been disappointing for fans of the series.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezefirst released for Wii U in 2014, it remains the last original entry in the Donkey Kong seriesIt’s been a decade since we last saw the Kong family in action. As time passed, there was a need for a new game to revitalize Donkey Kongsuccess story, especially considering the popularity the character has gained in other media, from films to theme parks. Now, with a new console on the horizon, the Switch 2 is poised to be the ultimate home for all things Donkey Kong.
2025 could be a great year for Donkey Kong
Things have already started well
2025 has the potential to be the year Donkey Kong makes a big return, especially considering some of the franchise’s releases in the new year. The opening of Donkey Kong Country at Super Nintendo World Japan in late December is proof that there is an attempt by Nintendo to broaden the appeal of the franchise. Nintendo’s dedicated direct on Tuesday (via Nintendo of America YouTube channel) showed how the new theme park was a celebration of all things Donkey Kongwith a gift shop based on Funky’s jet, to a roller coaster inspired by the series’ signature mine cart levels.
Additionally, Nintendo is poised to maintain the momentum of Donkey Kong Country opening in 2025. January will see the beloved title Donkey Kong Country returns arrive on Nintendo Switch. This release is huge, not only because it finally frees the title from being confined to the Wii and 3DS, but it continues to demonstrate Nintendo’s attempt to push Donkey Kong back in the spotlight, a courtesy the series hasn’t received in a long time.
This could be in service of a possible new release for consoles. A new Donkey Kong the game doesn’t seem too far-fetched, not just because of the amount of fans arriving from the theme park, but because the series would be a perfect opportunity to promote the Switch 2’s launch. Donkey Kong games are no strangers to showing off hardware features; Donkey Kong countryThe pre-rendered graphics were considered revolutionary at the time of its release. A new release would not only profit Donkey Kongrecent popularity, but it would be a showcase of what Nintendo’s new console is capable of.
Switch 2 could be a great home for Donkey Kong fans
The story of Donkey Kong on a single console
A new release on the Switch 2 makes sense, as the console is currently poised to be the definitive home for the Donkey Kong franchise. The recent announcement of Switch 2 backwards compatibility and continued use of Nintendo Switch Online automatically makes the entire Donkey Kong country series available on the new console. This simple addition is a huge boost for the franchise, as Nintendo sends a clear message about its commitment to preserving Donkey Kongstory for everyone to experience.
This is without considering possible additions made to the NSO in the future. The service is still out Donkey Kong 64Without a doubt one of the titles par excellence of the collector’s genre. Furthermore, the potential addition of other consoles, including GameCube, could bring other classics Donkey Kong titles for gamersincluding Donkey Kong Jungle Beat and Donkey Konga. The Switch 2 has the opportunity to show a level of dedication to Donkey Kong series that neither Super Mario could rival, making it the perfect console for Donkey Kong fans.
What DK’s future could look like
Is it time for a new 3D entry?
Of course, if a new Donkey Kong game is coming, it is unclear what the project will look like. A new Donkey Kong country Game is always welcome. Retro Studios’ two entries are proof that the series can still deliver the same satisfying platforming experience while finding ways to keep things fresh and exciting. However, simply making another 2D platformer would negate the Donkey Kong franchise the possibility of striving and experiencing the series.
With that in mind, perhaps the time has come for a new 3D Donkey Kong game. The franchise has been lacking in this area since the release of Donkey Kong 64despite the game being successful on the Nintendo 64. A 3D entry would be the perfect opportunity for Nintendo to try out the franchise and take advantage Donkey Kong in a new and interesting directionwhile also being a perfect showcase of the Switch 2’s capabilities.
Regardless, it’s clear the stage is set for Donkey Kong to make a big comeback. The enormous attention paid to the franchise, combined with the slew of titles that will be available on the Switch 2, means that moving forward without a new game would be a missed opportunity. However, if done correctly, the Nintendo Switch 2 could, instead, become the place where the Donkey Kong The series reaches even greater heights than anyone thought possible, putting the franchise back in the spotlight once again.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube