Donkey Kong Country Returns HD pre-order guide

Initially released for the Nintendo Wii in 2010 (followed by a Nintendo 3DS port in 2013 and a digital release for the Nintendo Wii U in 2015 and 2016), Donkey Kong Country Returns will now be getting a high-definition version for the Nintendo Switch. Launching on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will be the most definitive edition version of the Donkey Kong Country Returns as it will contain the extra levels from Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D. You’ll play as Donkey Kong (or Diddy Kong – or grab a friend for two player local co-op) and you’re tasked with collecting bananas that the Tiki Tak Tribe stole across 9 different worlds.

 

Interested? Secure your pre-order today of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD with our guide below. (Note: We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase any products through links featured in this guide.)

 

When will Donkey Kong Country Returns HD release on Nintendo Switch?

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will launch on Nintendo Switch on Thursday, January 16th, 2025.

 

Will Donkey Kong Country Returns HD get a physical release?

Yes. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will be available physically in North America as well as digitally via the Nintendo eShop.

 

Where can I pre-order Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?

Currently, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD can be pre-ordered at the following retailers:

• Amazon (listed as out of stock, may be available to order on launch day only)
• Best Buy
• GameStop
• Nintendo Store (online)
• Target
• Walmart (listed as out of stock, may be available to order on launch day only)

Listings for Amazon and Walmart exist, but pre-orders aren’t being accepted. This has been a pattern over the last year, and it is likely that these retailers won’t be taking orders until Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s release date.

 

Notes:

• Pre-orders might also be available at Nintendo New York. If not, copies will be available on launch day.
• There is a chance that listings for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD may change from “Pre-Order” to “Sold Out” or “Coming Soon” or lists the release date. More stock may be available at a later date or closer to launch (due to more shipments or cancellations). It depends on the demand for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD as well as if it’s a special release (i.e.: limited edition, bundle, etc.).

 

Is there a limited edition or special edition of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?

No. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will only be available in standard edition.

 

Has DLC been announced for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD prior to its release? If so, will it be free for a limited time at launch?

No. Currently, DLC (free or paid) hasn’t been announced for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.

 

Will Donkey Kong Country Returns HD have a midnight launch?

Yes and no. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will released digitally on 9 p.m. PT | 12 p.m. ET when purchased from the North American Nintendo eShop.

Physical copy pre-orders of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD will be available on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 when your local retailer opens.

Nintendo New York may host a launch event/party for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD the following Friday. This will be announced closer to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s release date. For more details, you can check out Nintendo New York’s social media pages (Instagram and Facebook). A Warp Pipe Pass reservation (made through the My Nintendo site) may be needed to participate in on site events and picking up your pre-order.

 

Are there any pre-order bonuses or gift with purchase offers for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?

Yes, the following retailer(s) in the United States have announced they’ll be offering pre-order bonuses (while supplies last): GameStop. (As of Wednesday, November 13th, 2024, it is unclear if Best Buy and/or Target will have pre-order bonuses that will be announced at a later date).

 

GameStop – DK Barrel Pen Holder

 

 

GameStop is offering a DK Barrel Pen Holder. While there is no fine print for this offer, similar rules to previous pre-order offers may apply: Pre-order or purchase of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD game required. Limit one DK Barrel Pen Holder set per purchase. Deposit is required for pre-orders. Offer available while supplies last. DK Barrel Pen Holder will be provided upon paid balance and receipt of game. See participating retail locations for details.

Also, GameStop is listing additional details about picking up this pre-order bonus based on your order type:

• Online/In-Store Pickup Customers: Please print your order confirmation page and bring it to your local store to receive your bonus. To ensure product is available, it is best to call your local store ahead of time.
• Store Customers: Bonus item will be available at time of pickup.

 

Note: If Target offers a “gift with purchase” item, it won’t be known until either Nintendo includes it in the “Retailers exclusive” announced or a week or two before Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s release (as Target typically announces their offer in their weekly ad). Previous pre-orders with in-store pick up select may qualify for this gift with purchase. Be aware that the gift with purchase item is available to first come, first serve, and available while supplies last.

 

Are there any pre-order bonuses exclusive to Europe, Japan, etc.?

Yes, there are pre-order bonuses exclusive to Europe and Japan. These bonuses can, technically, be acquired by pre-ordering Donkey Kong Country Returns HD through a proxy service (they’ll have the order shipped to them and then they’ll ship it to you). Keep in mind that there is a chance that some of these items may also be offered in North America (if the pre-order bonuses haven’t been announced yet).

 

My Nintendo Store UK and Ireland – Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Microfibre Cloth and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Pin Set + Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Waist Bag  and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Pen Holder

 

 

The My Nintendo Store in Europe’s pre-order bonuses for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD are a Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Pin Set and a Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Microfibre Cloth. In addition to that, they’re also offering a bundle that comes with additional items. These include a Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Waist Bag (fanny pack) and a Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Pen Holder (the same pre-order bonus that is available at GameStop in the United States). (Items are not to scale.) Orders will only ship within Europe.

 

Amazon Japan – DK Barrel pin

 

 

Amazon Japan has an exclusive bundle for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD that includes a Donkey Kong Barrel pin. Other bundles including non-exclusive items (plushies, plushie keychains, etc.) along with the pin are also available.

 

I pre-ordered Donkey Kong Country Returns HD at a specific when a pre-order bonus wasn’t available. Now the retailer announced they’ll have a pre-order bonus. Do I still get the item?

Most likely yes. You’ll need to read up on the retailer’s Terms of Service regarding pre-order bonuses. In the past, retailers like Best Buy automatically applied the pre-order bonus to all pre-orders made before they announced their offer and sent an e-mail out confirming this (i.e.: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom).

 

Help! My pre-order was canceled!

If your order wasn’t canceled due to insufficient funds/payment issues, it might have been canceled due to stock issues. Retailers have over sold certain games in the past (due to not receiving the number of units they thought they were getting). If your pre-order of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was canceled, more than likely you’ll have to reorder through another retailer.

 

Is there a game demo of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?

No, a game demo of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is currently not available.

 

Will there be a Donkey Kong Country Returns HD-themed Nintendo Switch?

No. Nintendo hasn’t announced that there will be a Donkey Kong Country Returns HD-themed Nintendo Switch console (in the standard, Lite, and/or OLED models).

 

Will there be an amiibo released with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?

No, Nintendo has yet to announce if any amiibo (new or reprints) will launch alongside Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. There was no amiibo functionality for the Wii or Nintendo 3DS versions of the game, so it is unlikely that there will be any added to the HD version.

 

Will there be a limited edition Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Nintendo Switch Pro Controller?

No. Nintendo hasn’t announced a limited edition Nintendo Switch Pro Controller themed after Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. If Nintendo announce this leading up to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s release, this section will be updated.

 

Will there be other Nintendo Switch accessories (cases, controllers, etc.) themed after Donkey Kong Country Returns HD at launch?

No. Any Nintendo Switch accessories themed after Donkey Kong Country Returns HD have yet to be announced.

 

 

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