DK Challenge Event Comes to Nintendo Switch Online for Limited Time
This marks the first time Nintendo has tied a Switch 2-exclusive event directly to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, using a limited-time challenge format to drive engagement with the Donkey Kong franchise.
Reporting from 2 sources: 4Gamer.net, Denfaminicogamer.
Nintendo announced during its June 9 Nintendo Direct that a new event called DK Challenge will be available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 users through the Nintendo Switch Online app. The event runs from June 10 to September 1, 2026, and lets players complete challenges set in various Donkey Kong works to earn challenge cards. Separately, the paid DLC DK Island & Emerald Rush for Donkey Kong Bananza will host a collaboration with Super Mario Bros. The collaboration features Donkey Kong and Pauline wearing Mario-themed costumes, with mushrooms and coins appearing in stages. The first of four planned collaboration rounds begins immediately after the Direct ends.
Nintendo revealed the DK Challenge event and the Mario collaboration during its June 9 Nintendo Direct broadcast. The DK Challenge is accessible only on Nintendo Switch 2 consoles, via the Nintendo Switch Online app on the HOME menu. Players will face developer-set challenges drawn from multiple Donkey Kong titles, with each cleared challenge awarding a challenge card. The event window runs from June 10 through September 1, 2026.
Alongside the event, Nintendo detailed a collaboration between Donkey Kong Bananza's paid DLC, DK Island & Emerald Rush, and Super Mario Bros. During the collaboration, Donkey Kong and Pauline will appear in costumes based on Mario and his friends. Mario-themed elements such as mushrooms and coins will replace some stage objects. The collaboration is scheduled for four rounds, with the first round starting immediately after the Direct concluded. Nintendo has not yet announced dates for the remaining three rounds.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.