Nintendo has officially expanded its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service with another major addition from the Nintendo 64 era. The company confirmed that Donkey Kong 64, originally released in 1999, is now available to subscribers through the N64 library on the platform.
The return of the classic title marks a significant moment for fans of retro gaming, bringing one of Rare’s most iconic platformers back to modern audiences with updated accessibility on the Switch ecosystem.
Donkey Kong 64 Joins the Switch Online Lineup
The addition of Donkey Kong 64 strengthens Nintendo’s growing catalog of retro titles available through its subscription service. The game is now playable via the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics app, which is part of the Expansion Pack tier.
In its official announcement, Nintendo highlighted the core premise of the game, stating: “Play as Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong as they fight to keep DK Island safe from K. Rool and his Kremling crew.”
This release follows Nintendo’s ongoing strategy of reviving classic titles, giving both longtime fans and new players access to legacy content without requiring original hardware.
A Classic Platformer Returns With Its Full Feature Set
Originally developed by Rare, Donkey Kong 64 is remembered for its expansive level design, character-switching mechanics, and collectible-heavy gameplay. Players can control five different Kong characters, each with unique abilities that are required to progress through the game’s various environments.
The story centers on Donkey Kong’s mission to rescue his captured friends and stop King K. Rool, who threatens DK Island with his mechanical fortress. The game blends platforming, puzzles, and exploration, offering a large-scale adventure compared to many titles of its time.
Nintendo’s description emphasizes the variety of gameplay, noting that players can “climb, swim, and jump” across different areas while unlocking upgrades and completing challenges.
One of the key features returning with this release is the game’s multiplayer component. Donkey Kong 64 includes battle arenas that allow up to four players to compete in split-screen matches.
This addition makes the game not just a solo experience but also a social one, giving players the option to revisit its competitive modes with friends. The inclusion of multiplayer features aligns with Nintendo’s efforts to make classic games more engaging for modern audiences.
Why This Release Matters for Switch Online
The addition of Donkey Kong 64 highlights Nintendo’s continued investment in its subscription service. By regularly introducing well-known titles, the company is increasing the value of the Expansion Pack tier.
Retro releases like this also help preserve gaming history, allowing players to experience older titles in a more accessible format. For many fans, Donkey Kong 64 represents a nostalgic return to one of the most ambitious platformers of the Nintendo 64 era.
At the same time, these additions serve as an entry point for younger players who may not have experienced these games when they first launched.
Nintendo’s N64 library has steadily expanded since the launch of Switch Online’s Expansion Pack. With each new addition, the service moves closer to offering a comprehensive selection of the console’s most memorable titles.
The inclusion of Donkey Kong 64 is particularly notable due to its scale and popularity, making it one of the more significant updates to the service in recent months.
