Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Gets Major Free Update — Playable Dixie Kong, Turbo Mode & Switch 2 Enhancements
Nintendo’s free Version 1.1.0 update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD adds playable Dixie Kong, Turbo Attack mode, GameShare and enhanced visuals on Nintendo Switch 2 — available now.
Nintendo has released a free content update (Version 1.1.0) for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, adding exciting new features to both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions of the game. The patch introduces Dixie Kong as a playable character, a new Turbo Attack mode, and several other improvements — including enhanced visuals and performance when playing on Switch 2.
Originally released for Switch in January 2025 as a high-definition remaster of the 2010 Wii classic, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD has now received one of its largest post-launch updates just a year later.
Dixie Kong Joins the Cast
One of the biggest additions in Version 1.1.0 is Dixie Kong as a new playable character — a beloved member of the Kong family known for her unique pony-tailspin ability that lets her hover and reach higher platforms. Players can now choose between Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong when collecting a barrel in single player or let Player 2 switch characters on the world map during co-op play.
Community reactions on sites like Reddit highlight widespread excitement about this surprise addition, with many fans celebrating the expanded character options and renewed replay value.
New Modes & Gameplay Features
The update also adds a Turbo Attack mode, which creates high-speed versions of previously cleared courses where players must race against the clock to collect turbo medals. This mode appears alongside the standard Time Attack challenge once a level is completed.
Brazilian Portuguese language support has been added, and several gameplay tweaks and bug fixes aim to smooth out the overall experience.
🎮 Switch 2-Exclusive Enhancements
For players on the Nintendo Switch 2, this update also brings several performance upgrades, including:
-
Improved resolution and visual fidelity on higher-definition displays
-
Shorter loading times for faster transitions between levels
-
GameShare (Local User) support, allowing another player to join using a shared local copy of the game
These enhancements make the Switch 2 version more polished and closer to Nintendo’s vision for modern platformer performance.
👾 Free Update Available Now
Nintendo has made this update free for all owners of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD on both Switch and Switch 2. Players just need to download Version 1.1.0 via the software update system on their console to access the new content.
The DLC-like additions — especially Dixie Kong and the new Turbo Attack mode — have generated positive buzz among fans and platformer enthusiasts alike, bringing fresh challenge and variety to the beloved classic. Online communities on Reddit are already buzzing with gameplay impressions and requests for similar upgrades in other remasters.