Donkey Kong Games on Switch Online US Catalog Guide

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide explains how to find and play Donkey Kong games through the Nintendo Switch Online service in the US. You’ll learn which games are available, how to access them, and what to do if a title isn’t showing up. All you need is a Nintendo Switch console, an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, and a stable internet connection for the initial download.

What You’ll Need

A Nintendo Switch console with the latest system update installed.
An active Nintendo Switch Online membership (individual or family plan). Note: the free tier does not include the classic game libraries.
Enough free storage space on your console or microSD card (each classic game app is roughly 50–100 MB).
A Nintendo Account linked to your Switch profile.
Internet connection to download the apps and games.

Step-by-Step

Turn on your Switch and connect to the internet. Make sure your console is updated. Go to System Settings > System > System Update to check.
Open the Nintendo eShop. Select the eShop icon from the home menu. If prompted, choose the profile that has the Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Find the Nintendo Switch Online section. On the eShop’s left sidebar, scroll down to “Nintendo Switch Online” and select it. This area lists all membership benefits.
Choose the classic game library. You’ll see options like “Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online,” “Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online,” and “Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online.” Donkey Kong games appear in the NES and SNES libraries.
Select the library that contains the Donkey Kong game you want. For example, the original Donkey Kong is in the NES app, while Donkey Kong Country is in the SNES app.
Click “Free Download” or “Download.” The app itself is free with your membership. It will download to your console. You do not need to purchase individual games separately – they are included.
Launch the app from your home menu. After the download finishes, find the app icon (e.g., “Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online”) and open it.
Browse the game list. Inside the app, you’ll see a grid of available games. Scroll to find the Donkey Kong title you want. The list is alphabetical, so look under “D.”
Select the game and press “Play.” The game will start immediately. You can also press the “+” button on the game’s tile to access options like save states and rewind.
Use the rewind and save state features. These are built into the Switch Online apps. Press “ZR” and “ZL” together (or use the “+” button menu) to access rewind, save states, and button mapping.

Common Mistakes

Thinking you need to buy the games separately. All classic games in the Switch Online libraries are included with the membership – you never pay per game.
Using a non-US Nintendo Account. The US catalog differs from other regions. If your account is set to a different country, you’ll see that region’s library, which may lack some Donkey Kong titles.
Not having an active membership. The apps will not launch if your membership has expired. Check your membership status in the eShop or System Settings.
Expecting Donkey Kong 64 or other N64 titles. Currently, the US N64 library does not include any Donkey Kong games. Only NES and SNES Donkey Kong titles are available.
Confusing the free trial with a full membership. The 7-day free trial gives you access, but it ends – you need a paid membership to continue.

Tips

Use the rewind feature liberally. Donkey Kong games, especially the original arcade-style NES version, are tough. Rewind lets you undo mistakes.
Save state before tough sections. In the SNES app, press “+” and choose “Save State” to create a quick save. This is invaluable in Donkey Kong Country’s minecart levels.
Try the “Special” button mapping. In the NES app, you can map the B button to a more comfortable position. Go to Settings within the app to customize controls.
Check for updated game lists. Nintendo occasionally adds new games to the libraries. Check the eShop news or the app itself for updates.
Play with a friend. Donkey Kong Country supports two-player co-op. You’ll need a second controller (Joy-Con or Pro Controller).

Troubleshooting

Game won’t start or app crashes. Close the app and restart your Switch. If that fails, go to System Settings > Data Management > Software and delete the app, then re-download it from the eShop.
Donkey Kong game is missing from the app. Ensure your console’s region is set to the US. Go to System Settings > System > Region. If it’s set to another region, you’ll need to create a new US account to access the US catalog.
“Nintendo Switch Online” section not visible in eShop. Update your system and eShop. Also, make sure you’re using the profile that has the membership.
Download stuck or slow. Check your internet connection. Try restarting your router. If the download is stuck, delete the app and re-download.
Membership is active but games say “Purchase” instead of “Download.” This usually means you’re not signed in with the correct account. Select your user icon in the top-right of the eShop and verify the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Donkey Kong games are available on Switch Online in the US? As of now, the NES library includes the original Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., and Donkey Kong 3. The SNES library includes Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, and Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble.
Do I need a special membership to play these? No, any paid Nintendo Switch Online membership (individual or family) gives you access to all classic game libraries. The free trial also works temporarily.
Can I play Donkey Kong 64 on Switch Online? No, Donkey Kong 64 is not currently available on the Nintendo 64 library for Switch Online in any region.
Are the games in English? Yes, the US catalog provides the North American versions of the games, which are in English.
Can I play these games offline? Yes, after downloading the app and the games (they are included in the app), you can play them offline. You only need an internet connection to download and to verify your membership periodically.
How do I access save states and rewind? While playing, press the “+” button to open the menu. From there you can create a save state, load a save state, or use the rewind feature. On the NES app, you can also press ZL and ZR simultaneously to bring up the rewind tool.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.