With the Nintendo Switch outpacing the Wii U’s sales, it’s clear that many gamers skipped Nintendo’s last generation console entirely. That means they missed out on some truly spectacular games, includingDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, which, until now, has been a pure Wii U exclusive. However, that exclusivity will be ending later this year, as the critically-acclaimed platformer from Retro Studios is making its way to the Nintendo Switch with additional content.
During its Nintendo Direct Mini presentation, Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch port ofDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezefor a May 4 release date. The game will be almost identical to the Wii U version, though there will be a new playable character in the form of Funky Kong, who will join Dixie, Diddy, Donkey, and Cranky Kong on their adventure.
The addition ofFunky Kongseems to be the most substantial new content that will be included in the Switch version ofDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. However, players can also look forward to Switch-specific features, such as the ability to play the game on the go in the console’s handheld mode.
Some fans may be disappointed that instead of a newDonkey Kong Countrygame for the Switch, they’re getting an enhanced port of the Wii U version. However,Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezecould just be Nintendo’s way of filling in the gap betweenDonkey Kong Countryreleases, as well as give the Switch another big game for spring.
Plus, it means that Retro Studios is likely hard at work on a new game. We know thatRetro isn’t developingMetroid Prime 4, and so there’s a distinct possibility that the studio is working on a brand newDonkey Kong Countrygame for the Switch. Alternatively, theTropical Freezeport could be Nintendo’s way of giving Switch owners aDonkey Kong Countrygame so Retro can work on something else entirely.
Regardless,Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezeis a great game, and it should be a strong addition to the Switch’s library, especially for those that skipped the Wii U.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freezeis available now on Wii U, and is coming to Nintendo Switch on May 4.
