Donkey Kong 64 is now available on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and a limited-time DK Challenge event for Nintendo Switch 2 users runs through September 1, 2026.
Nintendo added Donkey Kong 64 to the Nintendo 64 Nintendo Classics library on June 4, 2026, for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. The 1999 Rare-developed 3D platformer, which features five playable Kongs and eight hub worlds, now includes rewind and save-anywhere features. The re-release fills a gap in the service's lineup and is the first time the game has been available on a Nintendo platform since the Wii U Virtual Console ended in 2026. The Nintendo 64 Classics service is also playable on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Five days later, during a June 9 Nintendo Direct, Nintendo announced DK Challenge, a limited-time event for Nintendo Switch 2 users accessible 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 began immediately after the Direct ended.
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Jul 23
The Donkey Kong Bananza development team won Best Awards in three of the four categories at the CEDEC Awards 2026, held July 22-24 at Pacifico Yokohama North. The Computer Entertainment Association (CESA) announced the winners on July 23. The team took Engineering, Game Design, and Visual Arts honors. The Sound Best Award went to the Nintendo Music development and operations team, giving Nintendo a sweep of all categories. The Engineering award cited advanced integration of terrain destruction and physics simulation using voxel technology. Game Design recognized an exciting exploration experience through destruction leveraging character appeal. Visual Arts honored voxel technology realizing a fully destructible 3D world. The Sound award noted continuous library building of a vast number of songs and provision of music experiences utilizing the characteristics of game music. Shuhei Yoshida received the Special Award, announced July 1, for his contributions to computer entertainment development, including leadership of the PlayStation brand and support of indie games. The Best Awards were determined by votes from CEDEC2026 attendees and speakers from among the previously announced Excellence Awards.
Jul 14
Nintendo announced on July 14 that the Nintendo Museum in Uji City, Kyoto, will begin selling Nintendo Switch 2 merchandise at its Bonus Stage shop from July 15. Items include T-shirts, mugs, a ballpoint pen, a ring notebook, a pin set, and game software package stickers for Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza. The museum, which focuses on Nintendo's history, will now carry current-generation console merchandise.
Jun 9
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.
Jun 4
Nintendo has added Donkey Kong 64 to the NINTENDO 64 Nintendo Classics service for Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. The 1999 3D platformer now includes rewind and save-anywhere features, and the official N64 controller remains available for purchase separately.
May 28
Nintendo will add Donkey Kong 64 to the Nintendo 64 Nintendo Classics library on June 4, 2026, the company announced on May 28. The title is available to subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, Donkey Kong 64 is a 3D action game developed by Rare. It features five playable Kongs: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong. Players explore eight hub worlds, collect Golden Bananas, and battle the Kremling army led by King K. Rool. The game includes side activities such as collecting coins and blueprints and photographing fairies. It also contains a multiplayer mode for up to four players and bonus content that unlocks the original 1981 arcade Donkey Kong and the 1983 game Jetpac. Donkey Kong 64 previously appeared on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2015, but that service ended in 2026. The re-release is the first time the game has been available on a Nintendo platform since then. The Nintendo 64 Classics service is also playable on the Nintendo Switch 2.