Nintendo is bringing another beloved Nintendo 64 classic to modern audiences. Beginning June 3, Donkey Kong 64 will join the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 owners with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, Donkey Kong 64 remains one of the most ambitious platforming adventures of its era, featuring a massive world filled with collectibles, puzzles, minigames, and an unforgettable cast of Kong characters.
Donkey Kong and Friends Return
The classic adventure follows Donkey Kong and his fellow Kongs as they battle the villainous King K. Rool and his Kremling army once again.
When K. Rool launches another scheme to conquer Kong Island, Donkey Kong must reclaim his stolen Golden Bananas and save his homeland from destruction.
Players can switch between five playable Kongs throughout the adventure:
- Donkey Kong
- Diddy Kong
- Tiny Kong
- Lanky Kong
- Chunky Kong
Each Kong features unique abilities, attacks, and upgrades that are required to overcome obstacles, uncover secrets, and access new areas across the game’s expansive world.
One of the Nintendo 64’s Biggest Adventures
At the time of its original release, Donkey Kong 64 pushed the Nintendo 64 hardware with its enormous environments, extensive collectible hunts, and diverse gameplay mechanics.
The game combines platforming, puzzle-solving, exploration, boss battles, and a variety of memorable minigames that helped make it one of Rare’s most recognizable Nintendo-era titles.
Fans can once again climb, swim, swing, blast through levels with barrel cannons, and search for hundreds of collectibles spread throughout the game’s colorful environments.
Multiplayer Mayhem Returns
In addition to the main adventure, Donkey Kong 64 includes competitive multiplayer battle arenas where up to four players can challenge one another in split-screen matches.
The multiplayer mode offers several battle types and remains one of the game’s most nostalgic features for longtime Nintendo 64 fans.
Additional controllers or accessories may be required for local multiplayer gameplay.
Part of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
Donkey Kong 64 joins a growing lineup of Nintendo 64 titles available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
The premium membership tier also includes:
- Nintendo 64 game library
- Game Boy Advance game library
- SEGA Genesis library
- Online multiplayer support for compatible titles
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise DLC
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion
Nintendo Switch 2 users also gain access to the Nintendo GameCube library and additional features such as Rewind functionality and CRT filters for supported Nintendo 64 games.
A Welcome Addition for Retro Fans
Few Nintendo 64 games carry the same level of nostalgia as Donkey Kong 64. While the game’s massive collectible hunts have long sparked debate among fans, its colorful world, memorable characters, and ambitious scope helped cement its place as one of the platform’s defining adventures.
For players who missed it the first time around—or those ready to revisit Kong Island once again—June 3 offers another opportunity to experience one of the Nintendo 64’s most iconic platformers.
Donkey Kong 64 joins the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library on June 3 for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.
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