Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is now available on the Switch, bringing the 2010 Wii game to a new generation of players. While this remaster is a welcome addition to Nintendo’s hybrid console library, it raises questions about the future of the beloved Donkey Kong franchise.
Despite its nostalgic appeal, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD feels like a stopgap measure, potentially keeping the series alive until a more substantial game can be developed. With over 11 years having passed since Tropical Freeze, one of the last new entries in the series, this remaster seems to be an attempt to quench fan hunger rather than signal a major creative push.
However, there’s still hope that Nintendo has something bigger in store for Donkey Kong. The release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD could be seen as a way for Nintendo to test the waters before making a more significant commitment to the franchise. If 2025 sees a new Donkey Kong game, it would likely be positioned as the main event, with this remaster serving as a welcome bonus.
For now, fans of Donkey Kong will have to settle for a bittersweet experience that brings back fond memories while also highlighting the series’ prolonged absence from modern gaming.
Source: https://gamerant.com/donkey-kong-country-returns-hd-nintendo-franchise-future-unclear