Nintendo has confirmed that Donkey Kong 64 will be added to the Nintendo 64 library available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on June 3. The classic platforming adventure is one of the most recognizable releases from the Nintendo 64 era, and its arrival gives subscribers another major first-party game to revisit on modern hardware.
Originally released during the height of the 3D platformer boom, Donkey Kong 64 is a large-scale collectathon adventure starring Donkey Kong and several familiar members of the Kong family. The game sends players across expansive levels packed with enemies, puzzles, platforming challenges, hidden paths, and a huge number of collectibles. Its structure encourages exploration and rewards players for revisiting areas with different characters and newly unlocked abilities.
The story centers on the return of King K. Rool, who once again threatens Donkey Kong Island with one of his over-the-top schemes. In response, Donkey Kong sets out to stop the villain, recover the stolen Golden Bananas, and protect his homeland. Along the way, players gradually assemble a team of playable Kongs, each with unique moves and strengths that are required to solve specific puzzles and access different parts of each stage.
The playable lineup includes Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong. Each character brings a distinct style to the adventure. Donkey Kong offers balanced power and versatility, while Diddy Kong is more agile and quick. Tiny Kong can access smaller spaces and use special movement abilities, Lanky Kong handles challenges in his own unusual way, and Chunky Kong emphasizes raw strength. Switching between them is a core part of progression, since many objectives and collectibles are tied to a specific Kong’s abilities.
One of the defining features of Donkey Kong 64 is its sheer scale. Levels are filled with banana collectibles, coins, blueprints, bonus barrels, boss encounters, and secrets tucked into nearly every corner. For players who enjoy methodical exploration and completion-focused gameplay, the game offers a massive amount of content. It also reflects a particular era of Nintendo design, where large 3D worlds were built to encourage curiosity, experimentation, and repeated visits as players unlocked more tools.
Beyond the main adventure, the game also includes a variety of minigames and side activities that help break up the platforming. Some are skill-based challenges, while others lean into the game’s more comedic tone. These diversions contribute to the title’s memorable personality and give the overall experience a playful, unpredictable rhythm. The game is often remembered not just for its platforming and exploration, but also for its unusual humor, colorful presentation, and energetic style.
Multiplayer is another part of the package. In addition to the single-player campaign, Donkey Kong 64 features competitive battle arenas that support up to four players. These modes let friends face off in split-screen matches, adding a social element that fits well with the Nintendo 64’s local multiplayer legacy. Players using the Switch version should keep in mind that additional accessories may be needed for multiplayer depending on their setup.
The addition of Donkey Kong 64 to the Nintendo 64 app is notable for fans of retro Nintendo games because it expands an already growing lineup of classic releases available through the Expansion Pack tier. For longtime players, this is a chance to revisit a game that defined a specific moment in Nintendo’s history. For newer audiences, it is an opportunity to experience one of Rare’s most ambitious 3D platformers without needing original hardware.
Donkey Kong 64 remains a memorable release thanks to its oversized worlds, varied character abilities, and commitment to giving players a huge amount to discover. While opinions have long differed on just how much collecting is too much, there is no denying the game’s place in Nintendo 64 history. Its blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, combat, and multiplayer made it one of the system’s most talked-about adventures, and its return on Switch Online will likely spark plenty of nostalgia.
With the June 3 release date now confirmed, subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can soon jump into the adventure and see how this colorful classic holds up today. Whether you are returning to collect Golden Bananas all over again or playing it for the first time, the game’s arrival adds another major retro title to Nintendo’s subscription library.
With a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you’ll be able to join the DK crew as they climb, swim, and jump through treacherous and puzzling areas while taking advantage of their special abilities and upgrades. Hunt for collectibles and play wacky minigames while solo, or duke it out in battle arenas with friends in four-player split-screen action (additional accessories may be required for multiplayer mode; sold separately). There’s enough fun to go around to make you go bananas!
Donkey Kong 64 begins with K. Rool back again for another nefarious Kong-quest. Our furry hero Donkey Kong (the leader of the bunch) must take the fight to K. Rool and the Kremlings, reclaim his Golden Bananas, and save his homeland from certain doom. Choose from DK, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong and Chunky Kong and play solo in a quirky adventure or with friends in competitive battle arenas.
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