Full Breakdown
Donkey Kong 64 Added to Nintendo Switch Online’s N64 Library on 4 June 2026
5/28/2026, 12:09:57 PM
Donkey Kong 64 Joins Switch Online
Nintendo announced that Rare’s 1999 platformer *Donkey Kong 64* will become available on the Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on 4 June 2026. The title will launch simultaneously in Western territories and Japan and will include the original multiplayer and four-player split-screen modes.
Background, Development, and Key Players
*Donkey Kong 64* launched on the Nintendo 64 in November 1999, using the same engine as Rare’s Banjo-Kazooie series. Rare developed the game; Nintendo published it. The soundtrack features the “DK Rap,” composed by Grant Kirkhope, a fan-favorite. Nintendo offers the game via its Switch Online subscription, with the Expansion Pack unlocking N64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis titles.
Timeline & Library Statistics
- 1999-11: Original Nintendo 64 release.
- 2015: Appeared on Wii U Virtual Console.
- 2025: Five N64 games added to Switch Online (Ridge Racer 64, Killer Instinct Gold, Forsaken 64, Rayman 2, Tonic Trouble).
- 2026-06-04: *Donkey Kong 64* added.
The N64 catalog now holds 43 titles in the West and 45 overall, with *Custom Robo* and *Custom Robo V2* remaining Japan-only. The Expansion Pack costs $49.99 / £34.99 / €39.99 per year, while the standard Switch Online subscription ranges from $3.99 per month to $19.99 per year.
Why It Matters
The addition gives many Switch owners their first legal way to play *Donkey Kong 64* since its 1999 debut, addressing a long-standing fan request. It also marks the first new N64 game on the service in 2026, expanding the library’s multiplayer options with five playable Kongs and a wealth of collectibles, thereby strengthening Nintendo’s value proposition for subscribers.
Official Statements & Responses
Nintendo’s public-relations team highlighted the game’s “mechanical isle” premise, the rescue of the Kong family, and the inclusion of both solo adventure and four-player split-screen battle arenas. The company confirmed that Japanese users will receive the title at the same time, accompanied by a region-specific trailer and screenshots on Nintendo’s Japanese website.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All cited sources agree on the release date, pricing, and library size; no contradictory information appears. Nintendo has not disclosed any further N64 titles beyond *Donkey Kong 64*.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With his mechanical isle stuck off the shores of DK Island, K. Rool kidnaps the Kong family to distract Donkey Kong. It's up to our furry hero to rescue his friends, reclaim his Golden Bananas, and save his homeland from certain doom. Choose from five Kong members as you play solo in a quirky adventure or with friends in competitive battle arenas!” — Nintendo PR
- “Join Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong as they fight to keep DK Island safe and sound from K.” — Nintendo PR
- “Released by Rare in November 1999, Donkey Kong 64 is an open world 3D platformer which uses the same game engine as the Banjo-Kazooie games.” — Videogames Chronicle
- “Donkey Kong 64 was never released on the Wii’s Virtual Console service, but did make it to the Wii U Virtual Console in 2015.” — Videogames Chronicle
What’s Next
Nintendo has not announced additional N64 titles or further updates to the library at this time.
