If recent leaks are true, Nintendo Switch Online could be getting an exciting lineup of N64 games in the near future. Over the years, Nintendo Switch Online has served as the company's answer to subscription services, and it has been the prime place to revisit select N64 games. Now, one of Nintendo's longest-running mascots may be finally coming to the service.
Thanks to the work of some determined Nintendo fans, evidence of Donkey Kong 64 coming to Nintendo Switch Online has been discovered. Of course, this isn't a full-blown confirmation, but it definitely looks promising. Leaks like these should still be taken with a grain of salt, though, until Nintendo makes an official announcement. However, if true, Donkey Kong 64 would be coming at the perfect time.
Donkey Kong Bananza Pauline Easter Egg is Clever Callback to the Original Arcade Game
Donkey Kong Bananza features a younger version of Pauline from the original DK arcade game, and she makes a fun reference to her older appearances.
Donkey Kong 64 Potentially Coming to Nintendo Switch Online Could Give Nintendo Fans a Double Dose of the Iconic Gorilla
Donkey Kong Bananza is Right Around the Corner
- Donkey Kong Bananza launches for the Switch 2 on July 17.
Since the Switch 2 was released at the beginning of June, many Nintendo fans have been eager for the console's first round of exclusives to arrive. Mario Kart World kicked off the party on the Switch 2's launch day, and Donkey Kong Bananza is next in line. A brand-new 3D game starring Donkey Kong is exciting enough, but the potential for Donkey Kong Bananza to launch and be followed by Donkey Kong 64 could be a great one-two punch. After Nintendo released a trailer showcasing N64-specific features for Nintendo Switch Online, fans have been noticing a variety of potential games that could be coming to the platform, and Donkey Kong 64 is one of the most compelling yet.
Donkey Kong Bananza puts an emphasis on open-world exploration and destructible environments.
Other N64 Games That Have Recently Been Leaked for Nintendo Switch Online
- Super Smash Bros.
- Forsaken 64
- Glover
- Rayman 2
Donkey Kong Bananza definitely isn't the only exciting game to be named in the leaks, but considering that the character is one of Nintendo's longest-running icons, bringing Donkey Kong 64 to its subscription service would be a strong way to honor the franchise's legacy. The history of Donkey Kong will continue to grow on the Switch 2, and getting the two games together on one platform would be a heavy dose of nostalgia.
Even better, Donkey Kong 64 could be introduced to an entirely new audience. Gaming has gone through a mind-boggling number of changes since 1999, and the newer generation of Nintendo fans could get to see just how far Donkey Kong has come since the N64 entry. Donkey Kong Bananza has already promised some exciting features that are bound to make it feel incredibly different from Donkey Kong 64, so getting to experience the differences firsthand is bound to be fascinating.
A brand-new 3D game starring Donkey Kong is exciting enough, but the potential for Donkey Kong Bananza to launch and be followed by Donkey Kong 64 could be a great one-two punch.
Donkey Kong Bananza Has Been a Long Time Coming
- The last mainline Donkey Kong game was Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze.
- The game was released for the Wii U in 2014 and ported to the Switch in 2018.
Of course, there have been offerings like 2015's Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars and the remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong that came out last year, but it's been over a decade since a new Donkey Kong-centric game has been released by Nintendo.
Now that the wait for more Donkey Kong is nearly over, it makes one wonder when the leaked version of Donkey Kong 64 will arrive on Nintendo Switch Online, if at all. Only time will tell, but if the diligent work of Nintendo fans is anything to go by, this year could be a big one for Donkey Kong fans.
- Brand
- Nintendo