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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Gets Free Switch 2 Update: What’s New

The free Ver. 1.1.0 update brings Dixie Kong and Turbo Attack to Switch and Switch 2, plus GameShare, display optimization and shorter loading on Switch 2.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Donkey Kong Country Returns HD received a free Ver. 1.1.0 update on January 20, 2026, according to Nintendo’s US support history. It adds Dixie Kong and Turbo Attack on both Switch generations, while GameShare, display optimization and shorter loading times are specific to Switch 2. The update is for the existing game, not a separately sold Switch 2 upgrade.

What’s in the Donkey Kong Country Returns HD update?

Nintendo’s Ver. 1.1.0 update adds new playable and challenge options, Brazilian Portuguese language support, and addresses several other issues with image-quality enhancements.

Dixie Kong and Turbo Attack on both consoles

  • Dixie Kong: She is playable on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and her jumping action differs from Diddy Kong’s. In solo play, choose Diddy or Dixie when grabbing a barrel. In two-player play, Player 2 can switch between them on the world map.
  • Turbo Attack: After clearing a course once, its high-speed version becomes available alongside Time Attack. Finish within the time limit to earn a turbo medal.
  • Brazilian Portuguese: The update adds support for this language.

Switch 2-specific improvements

  • GameShare (Local User): Nintendo lists this feature for Switch 2.
  • Display optimization: The game is optimized for the Switch 2 display and high-resolution TVs.
  • Shorter loading times: Nintendo says loading times are reduced on Switch 2; it does not publish a numerical comparison.

Which features are shared, and which require Switch 2?

Feature Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2
Dixie Kong and Turbo Attack Available Available
Brazilian Portuguese and other fixes with image-quality enhancements Available Available
GameShare (Local User) Not listed for this console Available
Optimization for the console display and high-resolution TVs Not listed for this console Available
Shorter loading times Not listed for this console Available

Nintendo does not provide resolution figures or measured loading-time results in its update details, so the Switch 2 improvements are best understood as qualitative descriptions.

Is the Switch 2 update free?

Yes. Nintendo describes Ver. 1.1.0 as a free update to Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, which is listed as a Nintendo Switch game. If you do not own it, the game itself is the purchase you need; Nintendo’s announcement does not describe a separate paid Switch 2 upgrade. See Nintendo’s game listing for its official product information.

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  • GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play

How do I update Donkey Kong Country Returns HD?

If automatic software updates are enabled and the console is online, Nintendo says the update downloads and installs automatically. To check for it manually:

  1. Connect your console to the internet.
  2. On the HOME Menu, highlight Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
  3. Press the + or − button.
  4. Select Software Update, then Via the Internet.

Nintendo says saved data remains usable after installing the update. Its US support history lists Ver. 1.1.0 as available January 20, 2026; Nintendo’s UK support page gives January 21, reflecting the regional date presentation.

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  • Supports up to 4K resolution** when using a compatible game and TV connected via the included Nintendo Switch 2 dock
  • Nintendo Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games.***
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Official update details

See Nintendo Support’s update instructions for installation guidance and the listed changes. Nintendo’s update announcement describes the release as free.

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