Nintendo Switch Online has welcomed a classic blast from the past: Donkey Kong Land 3. This iconic Game Boy game, which hit its 27th anniversary this October 2024, completes the Donkey Kong Land trilogy on the platform.
Developed by Rare back when Nintendo was still calling the shots, the Donkey Kong Land series rolled out three games from 1995 to 1997. Fans got the first taste of this nostalgia trip when the original Donkey Kong Land was added to the Nintendo Switch Online on November 22, followed closely by its sequel just four days later.
Now, Donkey Kong Land 3 joins the lineup, becoming available to players from December 4. Just like every Game Boy title on Nintendo Switch Online, you can dive into this adventure through either tier of the subscription. But don’t mix it up with Donkey Kong Country 3, which made its way to the service back in December 2020 after being an SNES exclusive.
Here’s a bit of an interesting tidbit: the version of Donkey Kong Land 3 you’re playing isn’t the most updated one. Nintendo opted to bring in the 1997 Game Boy original instead of the Game Boy Color version from 2000. That color version never saw a release outside Japan, and translating it for Western audiences now would require significant localization efforts. Nintendo has occasionally taken on such tasks, like with the F-Zero series in October 2024, but it’s not something they often do.
Adding Donkey Kong Land 3 to the Switch solidifies its reputation as a prime destination for Donkey Kong fans. Currently, the Nintendo Switch Online service gives users access to ten games from this beloved franchise, including heavy-hitters like Donkey Kong Country and even some quirky titles like DK Jr. Math. Beyond the online offerings, players can also enjoy gems like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, which was ported in May 2018, and the Mario vs. Donkey Kong remake that came out in February 2024. Plus, there’s already buzz about Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, set to drop on January 16, 2025.
Closing out this year’s new releases on the NSO, Donkey Kong Land 3 is the first of December’s offerings. But it’s not flying solo for long—the NES version of Tetris is making its way to the service on December 12, perhaps serving as the final touch to 2024’s content lineup.
Switching gears to hardware for a moment, let’s chat about the Nintendo Switch Lite. Launched in 2019, it’s a cheaper, handheld-only version of the Nintendo Switch, perfect for gaming on the go. Without the joy of docked mode, it retains all core functionalities while featuring a sleek, lightweight design. Although it lacks 4K capabilities, it comes with a 5.5” touch screen, 32GB of storage, and the trusty custom Nvidia Tegra X1 processor, all powered by a 3570mAh Li-on battery. It’s a portable powerhouse for dedicated handheld play.
