Nintendo has expanded its Nintendo 64 library once again, with Donkey Kong 64 officially joining the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack lineup. The classic platforming adventure originally launched in November 1999 and remains one of the most recognizable Nintendo 64 releases ever created.
Its arrival marks the 43rd Nintendo 64 game added to the service since the N64 application launched for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers in 2021.
A Landmark Release for the Donkey Kong Franchise
Developed by Rare, Donkey Kong 64 was the franchise’s first fully 3D adventure and introduced players to a much larger world than previous entries in the series.
The game featured five playable Kongs, each with their own abilities and collectibles. Players could switch between characters to access new areas, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden secrets throughout the game’s massive levels.
Many fans also remember the title for introducing the now-famous DK Rap, a musical sequence that has continued to live on through references in newer Donkey Kong projects and other Nintendo media.
Widescreen Support Returns
One interesting feature available in the Nintendo Switch Online version is the game’s built-in widescreen mode.
While widescreen displays were far from common in the late 1990s, Rare included support for the format directly within the original game. Players can activate it through the options menu by changing the screen size setting from Normal to Widescreen.
The feature works in both handheld and docked modes, reducing the large side borders typically seen in Nintendo 64 titles and allowing players to see more of the environment.
Surround Sound Option Available
Players looking for a more immersive experience can also enable surround sound within the game’s audio settings.
The option can be found through the sound menu, represented by a barrel featuring blue headphones. While many retro releases simply preserve their original audio output, this additional setting gives players another way to experience the game as intended.
Rare Was Ahead of Its Time
Donkey Kong 64 was not the only Rare title to experiment with advanced display options.
Several of the studio’s Nintendo 64 games included widescreen support years before the feature became standard across the gaming industry. Other notable examples include GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Tooie, Jet Force Gemini, and Perfect Dark.
Looking back, these additions demonstrate how forward-thinking Rare’s developers were during the Nintendo 64 era.
More Nintendo 64 Games Still Missing
Despite the growing Nintendo 64 library on Nintendo Switch Online, several notable releases remain absent from the service.
Fans continue to speculate about what Nintendo may add next, especially as rumors surrounding an upcoming Nintendo Direct continue to circulate. However, Nintendo has not officially announced any future additions beyond the latest update.
For now, Donkey Kong 64 gives subscribers another classic adventure to revisit, complete with features that make the nearly 27-year-old game feel surprisingly modern.
