Key Highlights:
Donkey Kong Land 3 has joined the Nintendo Switch Online lineup, rounding out the classic trilogy. While it’s the original 1997 Game Boy version, not the color-enhanced 2000 Game Boy Color edition, fans can now experience the entire Donkey Kong Land series on the service.
Nintendo Switch Online just got a nostalgic boost with the inclusion of Donkey Kong Land 3. As of December, this classic from the Game Boy era finds a new home on the platform, marking 27 years since its original release. With this addition, all three titles in the Donkey Kong Land series are now available to subscribers.
Developed by Rare before it became part of Microsoft, the Donkey Kong Land series rolled out annually from 1995 to 1997. The first game in the series hit Nintendo Switch Online on November 22, quickly followed by its sequel. Now, Donkey Kong Land 3 has joined its siblings, becoming accessible on both subscription tiers of NSO.
Worth noting is the version they chose: NSO added the 1997 monochrome Game Boy release instead of the vibrant Game Boy Color port from 2000. The dichotomy lies in the regional exclusivity of the color version, which never made it outside Japan, making a Western release complicated due to localization needs. Nintendo has occasionally taken on such tasks, as seen with releases like F-Zero: GP Legend, but it’s not a frequent practice.
With this latest addition, the Nintendo Switch continues to cement its status as a haven for Donkey Kong enthusiasts. Players already have access to several other beloved titles from the franchise, including Donkey Kong Country and DK3. The Switch also boasts enhanced versions like DKC: Tropical Freeze and is set to receive Donkey Kong Country Returns HD early next year.
December 2024 will not only feature Donkey Kong Land 3; the NES version of Tetris is anticipated next, arriving December 12. This may serve as a fitting end to NSO’s contributions for the year.
Lastly, a quick sidebar—the Nintendo Switch Lite remains a budget-friendly option for gamers on the go. Launched in 2019, this model is tailored for handheld play, sporting a lightweight form and integrated controllers. It captures the essence of the main Switch without the ability to dock, favoring portability above all.
