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Donkey Kong Land is available now via Nintendo Switch Online

UPDATE: Donkey Kong Land 3 joins the service.

Donkey Kong Land logo against a lush green background
Image credit: Nintendo

UPDATE 4/12/24: Nintendo has now added Donkey Kong Land 3 to Nintendo Switch Online, rounding out this trilogy of games.

"Fame-and-fortune seekers have journeyed far and wide in search of the fabled Lost World. Eager to find it first, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong set off to discover its entrance, unaware that Baron K. Roolenstein and his Kremling Krew are hot on their tail! Meanwhile, Dixie Kong is left behind to babysit her younger cousin, Kiddy Kong. But that won't stop her from answering the call of adventure," teases the official blurb.

Players of Donkey Kong Land 3 will have 36 levels to explore, with various secrets and bonuses tucked within. You can check out the trailer below.

Donkey Kong Land III – Game Boy – Nintendo Switch Online. Watch on YouTube

All of this monkey business is, of course, a clever way for Nintendo to get its leading gorilla into our hearts and souls ahead of Super Nintendo World's new Donkey Kong Country theme park expansion, which will open later this month.


UPDATE 28/11/24: If it is more monkey business you are after, Nintendo has you covered. Along with Donkey Kong Land, Switch Online members can now also get their mits on its sequel.

Yes, Donkey Kong Land 2 is available on Nintendo Switch Online. "It's up to Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong to rescue Donkey Kong from Kaptain K. Rool," reads the game's teaser trailer, which you can see below.

Play Donkey Kong Land 2 with Nintendo Switch Online! Watch on YouTube

The original story continues below.


ORIGINAL 22/11/24: Oh, my nostalgic heart is happy to tell you that Donkey Kong Land is available now for Nintendo Switch Online members.

The Game Boy classic once again asks players to set off in monkey form to find that banana horde. "Cranky Kong doesn't think Donkey Kong has proven himself to be a hero yet," reads the official description. "So, he decides to work out a deal with the closest villain that he knows."

Yes, K. Rool, that dastardly fiend, has hidden the bananas with a little help from his cronies. And, of course, Donkey and Diddy Kong won't stand for it. You can check out a trailer for its Nintendo Switch Online debut below.

This music will be in my head for the rest of the day. Watch on YouTube

Nintendo Switch Online members can get themselves access to multiple NES, Super NES and Game Boy games.

Those who plump for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack option will also be able to get their mitts on Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and SEGA Mega Drive games, along with other perks. That includes things like expansions for other Nintendo games, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass.

You can check out the full run down of games available on Nintendo's subscription service via our handy guide: All Nintendo Switch Online games available to play right now.

Elsewhere in monkey-related news, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is set to arrive for Nintendo Switch next year, on 16th January. The Wii classic will feature 80 levels on its Switch debut, including the additional ones from the game's 3DS version.

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