On June 3rd, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers will be able to access Donkey Kong 64. Rare's classic allows players to control five distinct Kongs to explore levels, swim, climb, and collect items. The story follows Donkey Kong as he faces the return of K. Rool to recover the Golden Bananas. It also includes four-player split-screen multiplayer, which requires additional accessories.
Emulation and the Challenge of Extra Accessories 🎮
Technically, Donkey Kong 64 was one of the most ambitious titles on the Nintendo 64, using the Expansion Pak to improve resolution and stability. On Switch, the emulation seeks to replicate that experience, although the multiplayer minigames present a challenge: they require additional controllers that may not be available by default. The game retains its massive collection structure, with 201 items per character, a design that some consider excessive even by today's standards.
201 Items per Monkey and a Headache 🍌
If you thought modern games overdid it with collectibles, wait until you encounter Donkey Kong 64. Here, each Kong has its own list of bananas, keys, and medals to collect. It's as if Rare had said: let's put so many items that not even the monkeys can handle them. And on top of that, for multiplayer you need extra controllers. Because nothing says family fun like having to buy additional controllers so your friends can beat you in a racing minigame.