Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Update Adds Dixie Kong, Turbo Attack, and Switch 2 Visual Upgrades

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD’s free version 1.1.0 update introduces Dixie Kong as a playable character, a new Turbo Attack mode, Brazilian Portuguese language support, and Switch 2-exclusive features like enhanced visuals, shorter loading times, and local GameShare.

Nintendo has launched the significant version 1.1.0 update for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (DKCR HD), available to all players as a free download. This patch’s headline enhancements include the debut of Dixie Kong as a playable character and a suite of technical improvements specifically optimised for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Dixie Kong Joins the Playable Lineup

With the 1.1.0 update, Dixie Kong is now available as a playable character. Dixie’s unique ponytail spin move allows players to jump further and reach higher platforms, distinguishing her from Diddy Kong. According to the official patch notes, “Her action when jumping is different from when jumping with Diddy Kong.”

• If you’re playing solo, grabbing a barrel now lets you choose between Diddy or Dixie as the character that emerges.
• In two-player mode, Player 2 can swap between Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong by pressing the L Stick when on the world map, using either Joy-Con or Joy-Con 2 controllers.

Dixie’s addition directly addresses requests from fans, expanding the roster and replay value of the game. The ponytail ability changes the game’s flow for both seasoned players and newcomers.

Turbo Attack Mode: Speed Runners Take Note

The update also introduces Turbo Attack, a faster variation of the Time Attack mode. Once a course is cleared in standard play, Turbo Attack unlocks alongside Time Attack, giving players the option to race through levels at higher speed.

• If you clear a stage within Turbo Attack’s time limit, you’ll earn a turbo medal as a reward.

Turbo Attack caters to competitive speedrunners, allowing them to push for even faster clear times and earn new accolades.

Switch 2-Exclusive Features: Visual Enhancements, Shorter Loads, GameShare

The update delivers exclusive enhancements for Nintendo Switch 2 users:

• Improved render resolution and optimisation for high-resolution TVs, providing a clearer and sharper image.
• Shorter loading times to reduce wait periods between levels and menus.
• Support for GameShare (Local User), accessed from the “2 Players” option on the start or map menu, enabling local co-op play with shared ownership.

These Switch 2 upgrades are targeted at players who have adopted Nintendo’s latest hardware, ensuring the remaster remains visually competitive.

Additional Content and Patch Details

Version 1.1.0 includes further improvements and additions:

• Brazilian Portuguese language support, which can be toggled in the “Language” setting under the “System” menu.
• General image quality enhancements and minor bug fixes, designed to “improve the gameplay experience.”

All features introduced in version 1.1.0 are accessible to every player, except for those specifically marked as Switch 2 exclusives.

Release History and Critical Response

Donkey Kong Country Returns was originally released on Nintendo Wii in 2010, followed by a Nintendo 3DS port in 2013. The remastered Donkey Kong Country Returns HD launched for the Nintendo Switch in January 2025.

Industry review site VGC offered a measured endorsement in its DKCR HD review, stating: “With improved presentation and controls, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the definitive version of a classic platformer. Though it lacks the variety and bold ideas of its sequel, and offers little new content, it’s a worthwhile experience for those who missed it the first time around.” The review also noted that the Switch remaster “didn’t add enough new content to justify a full replay” for returning fans.

Complete Patch Notes: Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Version 1.1.0

• Dixie Kong is now a playable character, including a unique ponytail spin jump.
• Solo players can select between Diddy and Dixie when throwing barrels.
• In two-player mode, Player 2 can swap between Diddy and Dixie on the world map using the L Stick.
• Turbo Attack mode introduced – clear stages at high speed and earn turbo medals.
• Turbo Attack becomes available after first clearing a course and unlocks alongside Time Attack.
• Brazilian Portuguese language support added; accessible via “Language” settings.
• Image quality improvements and minor bug fixes implemented.
• (Switch 2 only) Optimised for Switch 2 displays and high-res TVs for enhanced image quality.
• (Switch 2 only) Shorter loading times.
• (Switch 2 only) Local GameShare allows shared co-op play from the “2 Players” menu or world map.

Summary Table: Key Update Features

Feature	Available Platforms	Details
Dixie Kong Playable	Switch, Switch 2	Ponytail spin jump; solo and co-op support
Turbo Attack Mode	Switch, Switch 2	Unlocks after course clear; turbo medals as rewards
Brazilian Portuguese Support	Switch, Switch 2	Enabled via language menu
Improved Image Quality	All	Visual enhancements in every version
Local co-op is accessible from the menu	Switch 2	Higher resolution, optimised for new hardware and TVs
Shorter Loading	Switch 2	Reduced load times
GameShare (Local User)	Switch 2	Local co-op accessible from menu

This update aligns with Nintendo’s ongoing support for legacy franchises and the new Nintendo Switch 2 ecosystem. For platformer fans and achievement hunters, the addition of Dixie Kong, the competitive Turbo Attack mode, and technical upgrades for Switch 2 represent the largest feature refresh since the remaster’s release.