Nintendo has added the complete Donkey Kong Land trilogy to Nintendo Switch Online, but a crucial detail was overlooked for subscribers in North America. The trilogy now includes Donkey Kong Land III, which is available on the Game Boy app, but not the superior Game Boy Color version that was released in Japan.
The decision to release only the original Game Boy version of Donkey Kong Land III in North America is likely due to its earlier release in 1997 compared to the Game Boy Color version, which debuted in Japan in 2000. As a result, Japanese subscribers got to experience the game’s vibrant colors, while North American players were stuck with a monochrome version.
Despite this limitation, the gameplay remains enjoyable, and the trilogy as a whole is still worth playing. The Donkey Kong Land series built upon elements from the Super Nintendo Donkey Kong Country games but introduced significant changes that set it apart. The original Donkey Kong Land stands out as particularly unique within the series.
Nintendo has been adding Japanese titles to Switch Online without hesitation, so this decision seems puzzling. Nevertheless, the trilogy’s release on Switch Online aims to build hype for upcoming games like Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
The full Donkey Kong Land trilogy is now available on Nintendo Switch Online, but there are still some missing games on the platform. Fans can look forward to potential additions, such as Donkey Kong ’94 and the Game Boy Color remake of the original Donkey Kong Country, on the Game Boy app or N64, respectively.
Are you a fan of the Donkey Kong series? Share your thoughts on this development and what other classic games you’re eager for Nintendo Switch Online to add.
Source: https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/nintendo-switch-online-worse-donkey-kong-land-3-japan