Nintendo Switch Online Update Introduces a New Game Boy Classic

A recent update to the Nintendo Switch Online service brought a delightful surprise for subscribers—a beloved title from the past, Donkey Kong Land 2, has joined the lineup of Game Boy classics available on the platform. This release follows closely on the heels of the first Donkey Kong Land game, which became available just days earlier through the same service.

Originally launched in 1996 by the collaboration of Nintendo and Rare, Donkey Kong Land 2 serves as a sequel to its predecessor and draws inspiration from the famed SNES game, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. In this sequel, players take on the roles of Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong, navigating through 40 challenging levels in a quest to rescue Donkey Kong from the clutches of the villainous Kaptain K. Rool. The plotline is a condensed iteration of its SNES counterpart, with K. Rool holding Donkey Kong hostage in exchange for the Kong family’s cherished banana stash.

Just shy of a week after Donkey Kong Land’s debut on the Game Boy app, subscribers eager for more adventure can now dive into its sequel’s vibrant world. The announcement was rolled out across social media, featuring a snappy 44-second gameplay trailer highlighting the unique abilities of Diddy and Dixie—showcasing Diddy’s fast-paced cartwheels and Dixie’s ability to glide gracefully with her ponytail. Players can experience the game with various filters reminiscent of the Game Boy, Pocket, and Color eras. Nintendo Switch Online subscribers need only ensure their apps are updated, either automatically or manually via the system’s Options menu, to start exploring Donkey Kong Land 2.

The possibility of Donkey Kong Land 3 eventually joining the Nintendo Switch Online library keeps fans hopeful, as this would complete the trilogy’s presence on the platform. Meanwhile, the series is enjoying quite a moment in the spotlight. With the December opening of the Donkey Kong Country expansion at Super Nintendo Land in Japan and the impending arrival of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, fans of the celebrated franchise certainly have much to enthuse about.

The inclusion of Donkey Kong Land 2 in the Game Boy app enhances an already impressive library and underscores Nintendo’s commitment to delighting its fanbase with beloved classics and exciting new updates. For those who haven’t yet experienced the thrill of the Donkey Kong series or for long-time fans eager to relive the adventure, now is the perfect time to immerse oneself in this exciting journey.