Nintendo drops surprise free game Switch owners can play now

Nintendo has dropped a lovely free game into our laps with no fanfare, which is very typical of the Japanese company.

Featuring one of the company’s many mascots, Donkey Kong Land has come to Nintendo Switch Online for the Game Boy and you can play it right now.

This new addition comes hot on the heels of several Pokémon titles for Nintendo Switch Online

As one of the old school greats, Donkey Kong was featured in many side-scrolling platformers in a pseudo 3D form.

First in Donkey Kong Country from Rare, the style and genre was continuously pushed through sequels and outings on Nintendo’s handheld.

The 3D graphics at the time blew the minds of players, bringing it to Game Boy was a whole other level.

One Twitter user remarks, “Making this game work on the original GameBoy was a technical feat that is still impressive today!”

While the Game Boy iteration didn’t blow as many minds for originality, Donkey Kong Land is still a very good time even if, as one Twitter user calls it, it’s the, “Fever dream Donkey Kong Country…”

Many Nintendo fans are celebrating the classic platformer landing on Nintendo Switch Online.

Another fan says, “Ah, yes! An excellent game! I haven’t played it in ages—might give it another go soon!”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Donkey Kong announcement without the legions asking where Donkey Kong 64 is?

Millions of players want the N64 outing to come to Nintendo Switch Online next.

“Thanks! But also WE WANT DONKEY KONG 1994 SO BADLY!!!” said one message.

Many replies under the announcement said the same with everyone wondering why Nintendo won’t add perhaps the best Donkey Kong game to the service.

“I concur with everyone that we really need Donkey Kong 64,” came reply after reply, let’s hope they’re listening.

Personally, I love this little gem. It’s a bit creaky in places and doesn’t look as smart as the SNES games, but it’ll pass a little time for those wanting to delve into some Nintendo history.