Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
It’s officially happening! Nintendo has just confirmed that the legendary Donkey Kong 64 is finally making its way to the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library on both the Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2! Starting June 3, 2026, subscribers with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will be able to jump back into the world of DK Isle.
If you grew up in the late 90s, you remember exactly where you were when you saw that first Donkey Kong 64 commercial. Developed by Rare and released in 1999, it was one of the most ambitious 3D "collectathons" of its time. You’ll be able to switch between Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong as they take on King K. Rool and his army to reclaim the Golden Bananas. It was massive, it was colorful, and it gave us the iconic "DK Rap" that we still can’t get out of our heads.
The Great Debate: Is it a Classic or a Headache?
However, Donkey Kong 64 has always been a divisive title in the history of Nintendo hardware. While many fans have been vocal about wanting this game on modern consoles, others remember the camera struggles, the complex controls, and the sheer scale of the world as being—well, a bit overwhelming.
In this video, I’m being completely honest about my history with the game. I’ve tried playing it on my own original N64 hardware, and to be frank, I’ve never quite "gotten" it. I’ve always felt that the play control felt clunky compared to the tight movement of Super Mario 64, and the open-world structure felt too meandering for my taste. I don’t think I’ve ever managed to get past the first island! I’m diving into why that is and why, even with the nostalgia, some games from that era have aged differently than others.
Why the N64 Library Matters
Beyond the game itself, this is a significant moment for the service. We talk a lot about how the N64 expansion pass library often feels neglected or updated far too slowly. Seeing Nintendo and Rare continue to collaborate to bring these rare titles over is a win for preservation, even if the game itself isn't for everyone. But it raises the question: what comes next? There are so many titles that I’m still waiting to see on the N64 service—Diddy Kong Racing being at the absolute top of my list!
In this video, we cover:
The Big News: Details on the June 3rd release for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
The Rare Connection: The ongoing partnership and what it means for other titles on the service.
Personal Critique: Why I find the camera and controls in Donkey Kong 64 to be a step backward from other 3D platformers of that era.
Expansion Pass Value: Is the current N64 library selection worth the price of the upgrade, or does it still need more heavy hitters?
The Future: What other games are missing from the current lineup, and why they deserve a spot on the Switch.
Whether you are a die-hard fan who is ready to 100% this game all over again, or you’re like me and find the mechanics a bit frustrating, this is a major moment for Nintendo’s retro catalog. I’m really curious to see if a new generation of players will find the charm in this title that I’ve struggled to find for decades.
I want to hear from you! Are you excited to finally play Donkey Kong 64 on your Switch or Switch 2? Did you love it growing up, or do you share my frustrations with the controls and the camera? Is this the game that makes the Expansion Pack worth it for you, or were you hoping for something else? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
#DonkeyKong64 #DK64 #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitchOnline #N64Classics #RetroGaming #NintendoSwitch2 #Rareware #DonkeyKong #GamingNews #NintendoExpansionPack #springonshorts
It’s officially happening! Nintendo has just confirmed that the legendary Donkey Kong 64 is finally making its way to the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library on both the Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2! Starting June 3, 2026, subscribers with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will be able to jump back into the world of DK Isle.
If you grew up in the late 90s, you remember exactly where you were when you saw that first Donkey Kong 64 commercial. Developed by Rare and released in 1999, it was one of the most ambitious 3D "collectathons" of its time. You’ll be able to switch between Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Tiny Kong, Lanky Kong, and Chunky Kong as they take on King K. Rool and his army to reclaim the Golden Bananas. It was massive, it was colorful, and it gave us the iconic "DK Rap" that we still can’t get out of our heads.
The Great Debate: Is it a Classic or a Headache?
However, Donkey Kong 64 has always been a divisive title in the history of Nintendo hardware. While many fans have been vocal about wanting this game on modern consoles, others remember the camera struggles, the complex controls, and the sheer scale of the world as being—well, a bit overwhelming.
In this video, I’m being completely honest about my history with the game. I’ve tried playing it on my own original N64 hardware, and to be frank, I’ve never quite "gotten" it. I’ve always felt that the play control felt clunky compared to the tight movement of Super Mario 64, and the open-world structure felt too meandering for my taste. I don’t think I’ve ever managed to get past the first island! I’m diving into why that is and why, even with the nostalgia, some games from that era have aged differently than others.
Why the N64 Library Matters
Beyond the game itself, this is a significant moment for the service. We talk a lot about how the N64 expansion pass library often feels neglected or updated far too slowly. Seeing Nintendo and Rare continue to collaborate to bring these rare titles over is a win for preservation, even if the game itself isn't for everyone. But it raises the question: what comes next? There are so many titles that I’m still waiting to see on the N64 service—Diddy Kong Racing being at the absolute top of my list!
In this video, we cover:
The Big News: Details on the June 3rd release for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
The Rare Connection: The ongoing partnership and what it means for other titles on the service.
Personal Critique: Why I find the camera and controls in Donkey Kong 64 to be a step backward from other 3D platformers of that era.
Expansion Pass Value: Is the current N64 library selection worth the price of the upgrade, or does it still need more heavy hitters?
The Future: What other games are missing from the current lineup, and why they deserve a spot on the Switch.
Whether you are a die-hard fan who is ready to 100% this game all over again, or you’re like me and find the mechanics a bit frustrating, this is a major moment for Nintendo’s retro catalog. I’m really curious to see if a new generation of players will find the charm in this title that I’ve struggled to find for decades.
I want to hear from you! Are you excited to finally play Donkey Kong 64 on your Switch or Switch 2? Did you love it growing up, or do you share my frustrations with the controls and the camera? Is this the game that makes the Expansion Pack worth it for you, or were you hoping for something else? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
#DonkeyKong64 #DK64 #NintendoSwitch #NintendoSwitchOnline #N64Classics #RetroGaming #NintendoSwitch2 #Rareware #DonkeyKong #GamingNews #NintendoExpansionPack #springonshorts
