The Nintendo Switch Online service has expanded its library with a blast from the past: Donkey Kong Land, a Game Boy classic from 1995. Originally released during the SNES era, Donkey Kong Land offered a unique portable experience based on the popular Donkey Kong Country. This addition to the Switch Online collection allows a new generation of gamers to experience this piece of gaming history.
A Portable Primate Adventure
While the Super Nintendo was enjoying its heyday in 1995, the Game Boy continued to offer unique gaming experiences. Donkey Kong Land wasn’t a mere port of its SNES counterpart, Donkey Kong Country. Instead, it reimagined the gameplay for the handheld, delivering a distilled version of the console experience.
This pseudo re-release proved to be a significant success for Nintendo, selling millions of copies and earning positive reviews. Its popularity paved the way for sequels, Donkey Kong Land 2 in 1996 and Donkey Kong Land III in 1997. A Game Boy Color version of the original, striving for a closer resemblance to Donkey Kong Country, was released in 2000.
From Virtual Console to Switch Online
The Donkey Kong Land series has been relatively dormant since its initial run, although the games were re-released on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console in 2014. Now, nearly a decade later, the franchise makes its way to the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online service.
The 1995 classic comes with 30 brand-new levels and features battery-backed saves, preserving progress for modern players. Nintendo’s official description captures the essence of the game: “Monkey mayhem comes to Game Boy with all new Kong adventures.”
Reliving the Kong Legacy
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong swing back into action, facing high-flying pigs, menacing Zingers, and the reptilian Kremlings. Players navigate through a diverse range of environments, from mysterious pirate ships and snowy landscapes to an underwater temple and aerial escapades.
Joining the Switch Online Lineup
The inclusion of Donkey Kong Land on Nintendo Switch Online offers subscribers another opportunity to delve into the rich history of Nintendo gaming. This Game Boy classic provides a portable adventure that remains enjoyable even today.
