Yes. Donkey Kong 64 is playable on Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics collection, but only with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. It is a library title you access through the subscription, not a separate game you buy for Switch. Nintendo announced its addition to the service in June 2026, and as of Nintendo’s US catalog check on 8 October 2026 it was listed there.
How to play Donkey Kong 64 on Switch
The game sits inside the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics collection. To reach it, you need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, and then you open the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library on your console and launch Donkey Kong 64 from there. Nintendo’s own announcement says Expansion Pack members “can get access to a wide variety of classic goodies, including the latest addition: the Donkey Kong™ 64 game!”
Because the access route is a membership, there is no separate Switch purchase to make for the game itself. If your membership lapses, access to the collection, including this title, goes with it.
What the membership covers
- Required tier: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The base Nintendo Switch Online membership is not sufficient for the N64 collection, according to the requirement Nintendo lists for the collection.
- Type of access: The catalog describes the Switch software as digital. You are renting library access through the subscription rather than owning a copy.
- Announcement date: June 2026, in Nintendo’s US announcement.
Is the N64-style controller required?
No. Nintendo offers an N64-style controller for the collection, but says it is optional. You can play Donkey Kong 64 with the controllers you already use. The accessory is aimed at players who want a more familiar N64 layout. Its offer details say it is available to paid Nintendo Switch Online members and ships to the United States and Canada only, so players elsewhere should check whether it is offered in their region before planning around it.
#1 Best Overall
- Don't forget the mini games! Challenge a seal to a race around the lagoon. go on a crazy mine cart ride, and be on the lookout for a blast from the past..
- Four Players can join in on super split screen action or duke it out in a single screen free for all.
- Use of the required Expansion Pak(not included) allows incredible real time lighting effects and massive environments.
Which Switch models support it
Nintendo lists Switch 2 compatibility as supported, with game behavior consistent with the original Switch. The original Switch supports TV, tabletop, and handheld modes. Nintendo cautions that the play experience may differ on Switch Lite, so the table below summarizes what Nintendo’s catalog states for each model.
| Console | Status in Nintendo’s listing | Play modes stated |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Supported; behavior consistent with Switch | Not separately stated |
| Nintendo Switch | Supported | TV, tabletop, handheld |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Play experience may differ from Switch | Not separately stated |
What the game offers
Donkey Kong 64 follows Donkey Kong and four other Kongs as they rescue their family, collect Golden Bananas, and face King K. Rool. Nintendo’s announcement also mentions solo play and competitive battle arenas. The catalog lists one to four players on one system and two to four players online.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Limits of what is established
The availability details above come from Nintendo’s US catalog and US announcement. Membership terms, the list of collection titles, and controller availability can differ by region and may change over time. If you are outside the United States, confirm the current listing in your own region’s Nintendo eShop or Nintendo’s regional Switch Online page before you subscribe or buy an accessory.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Very good condition comes with expansion pak,extra atomic purple controller,memory card,donkey kong,007,pokemon stadium,pokemon stadium 2,super mario 64,mario kart 64,star wars rouge squadren,2 copies of zelda ocarnia of time,zelda majoras mask,nascar (with a crack in the back of cartridge,and star fox. also the sytem is original and complete jungle green.
Rank #3
![Donkey Kong 64 [Japan Import] (Nintendo 64) (Pre-Played - CIB - Good)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Fg4C12u1L._SL160_.jpg)
- Japanese import
- Japanese text.
- Nintendo 64 / N64 cartridge
- Can be played in a US N64 with minor modification.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
