Nintendo has released a free update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, introducing new playable content including Dixie Kong, and technical improvements for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.
A free update is rolling into #DonkeyKong Country Returns HD!
Swing into action as Dixie Kong in both single-player and two-player local co-op, and race through high-speed versions of each level in Turbo Attack. Plus, players on #NintendoSwitch2 can enjoy enhanced resolution,… pic.twitter.com/k66mpkhaOC
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 21, 2026
The software update, version 1.1.0, became available on January 20, 2026, and can be downloaded at no additional cost by players who already own the game.
Added Character: Dixie Kong
The most visible addition in version 1.1.0 is the inclusion of Dixie Kong as a playable character. Dixie can be selected in both single-player and local two-player modes. Her move set differs from Diddy Kong’s and alters how stages can be approached. Dixie’s helicopter-spin ability allows players to slow their descent after a jump and reach platforms that may require more precise timing with other characters. This ability can also assist with navigating hazards and collecting items placed above standard jump height.
In single-player mode, players select Dixie or Diddy at the start of each level by choosing the appropriate barrel. This choice affects gameplay throughout the stage and cannot be changed mid-level. In local cooperative play, the second player can switch between Dixie and Diddy from the world map using the left stick. This option allows players to adjust character roles between stages rather than restarting progress.
Other Updates
The update also introduces Turbo Attack, a new gameplay mode focused on speed and replayability. Turbo Attack becomes available only after a stage has been completed in standard play. In this mode, players move through levels at an increased pace, which changes the timing of jumps and enemy encounters. Stages in Turbo Attack appear alongside Time Attack in the game’s menus, offering multiple ways to replay previously completed content. Completing a stage in Turbo Attack within the designated target time awards a turbo medal.
A promo image for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD – Nintendo
FPlayers using Nintendo Switch 2 hardware receive additional enhancements with this update. These improvements include higher-resolution visuals on compatible displays, improved image clarity, and shorter loading times compared to the original Switch version. The update also enables GameShare (Local User) support on Switch 2, allowing a second player to join local cooperative play using a single copy of the game.
In addition to gameplay additions, the update expands language support by adding Brazilian Portuguese. Players can enable this language through the system settings when the Switch or Switch 2 console’s language is set accordingly. The patch notes also indicate that several unspecified fixes and visual quality improvements have been applied to enhance the overall experience.
Context of the Game
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a high-definition remaster of the original Donkey Kong Country Returns released on the Nintendo Wii in 2010. The Switch remaster launched on January 16, 2025, and incorporates content from earlier versions of the title. This 1.1.0 update represents the first major free content expansion since the game’s initial release on Switch platforms.
Promotional image for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD – Nintendo
The update is accessible through the standard software update process on Nintendo devices connected to the internet. Consoles with automatic updates enabled will install version 1.1.0 without manual intervention. Alternatively, users can check for updates via the game’s options menu under Software Update.
Have you tried the new free Dixie Kong content update for Donkey Kong Country Returns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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