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It's been nearly 15 years since the original release of Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Nintendo Wii. If you've always wanted to experience this exceptional platformer but never owned a Wii, Wii U, or 3DS, Nintendo is now offering you the chance with the Switch release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
Priced at $59.99, this port is a beautifully remastered version of the Wii classic, boasting enhanced visuals and incorporating additional levels from the 2013 3DS release. Plus, the beloved co-op play feature makes a return.
For those opting for the digital version on the Switch, knowing the exact eShop release time is crucial to start playing the moment it goes live.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Release Time and Date
Nintendo typically keeps specific release times for its digital titles on the Switch eShop under wraps. However, according to their support page, most first-party titles, including Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, are released on the eShop at 9 PM PT the night before the official release date.
This means Donkey Kong Country Returns HD should be available to play starting January 15 at 9 PM PT (if you're in California). Here are the corresponding times for other time zones:
- January 15 at 10 PM MT (Denver)
- January 15 at 11 PM CT (Chicago)
- January 16 at 12 AM ET (New York)
- January 16 at 5 AM GMT (London)
- January 16 at 6 AM CET (Berlin)
- January 16 at 1 PM CST (Beijing)
- January 16 at 2 PM JST (Tokyo)
- January 16 at 4 PM AEDT (Melbourne)
If you're eager for more Donkey Kong action, Donkey Kong Land 3 is now available on Nintendo Switch Online.