Donkey Kong 64 Heads to Nintendo Switch Online Next Week for Expansion Pack Members

Donkey Kong 64 is officially arriving on Nintendo Switch Online next week for Expansion Pack subscribers. Originally released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, the classic platformer brings back Donkey Kong and the DK crew in a massive adventure packed with collectibles, puzzles, multiplayer battle arenas, and nostalgic gameplay.

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Nintendo will release yet another popular Nintendo 64 game, and it will be one of the best-known platformers from the end of the 1990s. In fact, it has been announced that Donkey Kong 64 is coming to Nintendo Switch Online soon.

According to the official announcement, Donkey Kong 64 will hit Nintendo Switch Online on June 4, 2026. However, gamers will be able to play it only if they have an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.

To be specific, Donkey Kong 64 is a 3D action game published way back in 1999 on the Nintendo 64 console. It was developed by the British gaming studio Rare and became famous thanks to the vivid graphics, plethora of collectibles, switching between characters, and multiplayer gameplay options.

Donkey Kong 64 Finally Joins Nintendo Switch Online

Over the past few years, Nintendo has added a number of beloved Nintendo 64 titles for Switch Online members. One of the most significant additions is that of Donkey Kong 64, as the game has been sought after by fans for quite some time.

Users subscribed to the Expansion Pack plan will be able to play the game from their Nintendo 64 virtual console in the Nintendo Switch online gaming app. After the title has been downloaded into a user's account, users will be able to play it using their Switch device, similar to other retro games offered by the company.

According to Nintendo, players "can join the DK crew as they climb, swim, and jump their way through treacherous and puzzling terrains, making use of their unique abilities and upgrading their powers." Amongst other things, the company mentioned collectibles, quirky mini-games, and battle arenas within the game.

Classic Nintendo 64 Adventure Returns

Those who have never played this original title before should be informed that the game begins with the dastardly actions of King K. Rool, once again attacking Donkey Kong and his island paradise. The player controls Donkey Kong and other Kong family members, preventing K. Rool from succeeding in his plans to steal the Golden Bananas.

What can be highlighted in this title is the huge roster of characters the player could swap to. Five unique characters were available during the journey through the levels:

• Donkey Kong

• Diddy Kong

• Tiny Kong

• Lanky Kong

• Chunky Kong

Each Kong has a special weapon, movement type, and abilities to solve various puzzles and access new locations. Character swapping soon became one of the main features of the title.

Overall, the entire adventure consisted of huge and varied worlds containing many collectibles, secrets, boss fights, and platforming. While a lot of people remember DK64 for a vast number of collectible items, a significant number of fans still appreciate its epic scope and charming personality.

Multiplayer Modes Also Included

In addition to the primary single-player game, Donkey Kong 64 had multiplayer capabilities as well. It has been announced by Nintendo that gamers can once again challenge their friends in the game’s split-screen multiplayer environments.

Multiplayer functionality includes support for up to four players at once, but in certain cases, extra hardware components are needed, according to Nintendo. These extra components can be bought separately.

Retro-style multiplayer games have gained popularity lately among Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, particularly old-school Nintendo fans who wish to relive their memories of past generations of games.

Nintendo Continues Expanding Retro Library

The release of Donkey Kong 64 also cements more of Nintendo's extensive library of Nintendo 64 games that are available via Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. In the past few years, the company has brought back to life several of its well-regarded N64 classics as a means of celebrating Nintendo’s greatest titles in modern times.

For many gamers out there, Donkey Kong 64 is more than just another nostalgic game to rediscover from Rare, which would go on to become owned by Microsoft in the years to come. As far as this latest addition to Switch Online + Expansion Pack is concerned, it will give another generation of gamers a taste of what 3D platform gaming was like during the N64 era.

This is why Donkey Kong 64 still stands as a significant title for Nintendo as gamers prepare to play it once again on their Switch consoles.

Donkey Kong 64 Release Date on Nintendo Switch Online

Donkey Kong 64 was officially announced to come out on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on June 4, 2026.

The users with Expansion Pack subscriptions would be able to play this game using the Nintendo 64 - Nintendo Classics application available on their Nintendo Switch gaming console.

Moreover, Nintendo has released a new trailer for Donkey Kong 64 running on Nintendo Switch Online.