If you want classic side-scrolling platforming on Nintendo Switch, start with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. For 3D exploration on Nintendo Switch 2, choose Donkey Kong Bananza. Prefer a different take? Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is another island platformer, while Mario vs. Donkey Kong focuses on puzzles and platforming. These are recommendations by play style, not a definitive all-time ranking.
Best Donkey Kong games at a glance
| Game | Platform requirement | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong Country Returns HD | Nintendo Switch | Classic-style 2D platforming | 80 levels across nine worlds, local two-player co-op, and Modern and Original modes. A free update announced in 2026 adds Dixie Kong and Turbo Attack mode. |
| Donkey Kong Bananza | Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive | 3D exploration and terrain-smashing action | Its central idea is smashing and reshaping underground terrain; it is not a 2D platformer. |
| Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | See Nintendo’s game page for platform availability | Another island platforming adventure | Nintendo describes it as an island platforming adventure; the official hub’s brief description does not support a more detailed comparison here. |
| Mario vs. Donkey Kong | See Nintendo’s game page for platform availability | Puzzle-focused play | Nintendo describes it as a puzzle and platforming game. |
Which Donkey Kong game should you play first?
Choose Returns HD for 2D platforming on Switch
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the clearest starting point if you want a side-scrolling game on Nintendo Switch. Nintendo lists 80 levels across nine worlds, local two-player co-op, and extra levels from the Nintendo 3DS version. The UK product page gives its release date as January 16, 2025. Nintendo’s product page also describes a free demo.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch 2) | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Donkey Kong Country Returns (Renewed) | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mario Vs. Donkey Kong™ - US Version | $49.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Nintendo Switch | $52.20 | Buy on Amazon |
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Its two modes offer different challenge settings. Modern mode provides extra hearts and items; Original mode retains the original challenge. Nintendo says players can use motion controls or button controls, so the game can be played without relying on motion input.
Choose Bananza for 3D exploration on Switch 2
Donkey Kong Bananza is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, released July 17, 2025, according to Nintendo’s US product page. Its action revolves around smashing and reshaping underground terrain, making it a different kind of adventure from the side-scrolling Country games. It is not a 2D platformer. Nintendo’s US product page lists the game; Nintendo also lists a physical edition separately at its physical-edition page.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore a vast underground world—by smashing your way through it!
- A brand-new 3D platforming action adventure starring Donkey Kong and Pauline
- Bash through just about anything in groundbreaking exploration! Crash through walls and carve tunnels—the more you smash, the more areas open up to you
- Pair up with Pauline to use Bananza Transformations: smash through obstacles with the raw strength of Kong form, gallop with incredible speed as a Zebra, and more
- Team up with a friend in two-player co-op as Donkey Kong and Pauline! Blast foes and terrain alike with Pauline’s voice as you explore together
Pick a different style if that is what you want
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the alternative to consider for another island platforming adventure. If you would rather solve puzzles than focus on a conventional platforming journey, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is Nintendo’s puzzle-and-platforming option. Nintendo’s official hub provides these broad descriptions but not enough detail to make a fine-grained comparison of their difficulty or content. Nintendo’s Donkey Kong game roundup lists both.
What changed in Returns HD after launch?
On January 20, 2026, Nintendo of Canada announced a free update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. It adds playable Dixie Kong and Turbo Attack mode, along with enhanced visual effects, improved resolution and load times on Switch 2, GameShare support on Switch 2, and Brazilian Portuguese language support. The Switch 2 improvements and GameShare support are specifically described for that hardware; do not assume every update feature is exclusive to Switch 2. See Nintendo of Canada’s update announcement for the full details.
Rank #2
- -Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- -This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Why there is no single best Donkey Kong game
The series spans more than one format. Nintendo’s developer interview traces its arcade origins and discusses Rare’s role in the Country series, while producer Kenta Motokura says the Bananza team aimed for “another big innovation.” That quote describes a design intention, not proof that the game is objectively superior. Nintendo’s interview with the Bananza developers offers context for the franchise’s different approaches.
For a practical choice, match the game to your hardware and preferred play style: Returns HD for current Switch 2D platforming, Bananza for Switch 2 3D terrain exploration, Tropical Freeze for another island-platforming option, or Mario vs. Donkey Kong for puzzles. Release details and availability vary by region, so check the Nintendo listing for your market.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Donkey Kong, diddy Kong, dixie Kong and cranky Kong return for the franchise's debut on the Nintendo Switch system!
- This title includes all the fun and challenge of the original game, plus a brand-new mode that lets new and novice
- Players Enjoy this critically acclaimed adventure as Groovy surfing simian funky Kong.
- Funky Kong can double jump, hover, perform Infinite rolls and even perform Infinite underwater corkscrews.
- Thanks to his sturdy surfboard, even spikes can't slow him down.
Rank #3
- Jump and climb your way through over 130 puzzling levels as Mario to retrieve the Mini-Marios stolen by Donkey Kong
- Overcome obstacles like spikes, lava, and falling bricks to make it to the end of each level
- Revisit the original challenge in Classic Style, or try Casual Style for a more relaxed experience
- Play through two new worlds, featuring new environments, enemies, and game mechanics
- Join the action as Toad and work together in the newly-added co-op mode
