Nintendo Switch Online has just expanded its library with the beloved classic, Donkey Kong Land 3. This iconic Game Boy game, celebrating its 27th anniversary in October 2024, completes the trilogy’s availability on the service.
The Donkey Kong Land series, developed by Rare during its golden years before the Microsoft acquisition, includes three games that were released annually from 1995 to 1997. The first game was introduced to the Nintendo Switch Online lineup on November 22 of this year, followed quickly by its sequel just four days later.
In keeping with tradition, Donkey Kong Land 3 was added to the NSO catalog on Wednesday, December 4. This latest addition is accessible to all subscribers, across both membership tiers. It’s important to note that this game shouldn’t be confused with Donkey Kong Country 3, which was originally exclusive to the SNES and has been a part of Nintendo Switch Online since December 2020.
However, there’s a bit of a twist with this release. Unfortunately, Nintendo Switch Online members won’t be enjoying the Game Boy Color version of Donkey Kong Land 3, which was visually enhanced when it came out in 2000. Instead, they get the original 1997 launch from the Game Boy, known for its monochrome graphics. The Game Boy Color version wasn’t made available outside Japan, and translating these classics for a Western audience isn’t something Nintendo often takes on, although there have been exceptions with other titles like F-Zero: GP Legend and F-Zero Climax.
Moreover, Nintendo seems far from finished in surging Donkey Kong content to the Switch. With the addition of DKL3, the Switch now hosts ten games from this much-loved franchise. From unforgettable titles like Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Jr. to niche offerings like DK Jr. Math, the console offers an impressive collection. Let’s not forget the ports like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and the upcoming Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, slated for a launch on January 16, 2025.
Looking ahead, Donkey Kong Land 3 kicks off the new releases on Nintendo Switch Online for December 2024. Fans can also look forward to the NES version of Tetris, hitting the service next Thursday, December 12, potentially rounding off additions for the year.
Nintendo continues to cater to its handheld fans through devices like the Nintendo Switch Lite, which hit the market in 2019 as an affordable, portable alternative to the original Switch, although it doesn’t support docked gameplay. Equipped with a 5.5″ touch screen and 32GB of storage, it remains a popular choice for gaming on the go.
