Summary
Donkey Kong is one of Nintendo’s most iconic and enduring characters, debuting in arcades back in 1981 and paving the way for an entire franchise of games. From his origins as a barrel-throwing antagonist to his role as the star of the beloved Donkey Kong Country series, the tie-wearing ape has captured the hearts of fans for decades.
The latest iteration of the Kong family,Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, revitalized the 2010 Wii classic for modern consoles, giving both new and returning players the chance to experience the adventure in stunning high definition. With its return came not only refined gameplay but also a treasure trove of hidden details, clever nods to the series’ history, and Easter eggs for sharp-eyed fans to discover and appreciate.
11Cranky Kong’s Foreshadowing
Cranky Kong is well-known for his sarcastic wit and commentary, often poking fun at his old age, grumbling about his pension, or expressing dismay over DK’s spending habits, especially on video games. However, one of his more intriguing remarks hints at something a bit more fantastical: a delicious banana that warps you to another dimension.
Cranky’s reference is to the elusive Golden Banana, a key item found in the game’s secret ninth world. DK and Diddy find themselves high above the clouds, where they come upon the Golden Temple. Inside the temple, they discover a golden banana held aloft by two statues of Donkey Kong. Eager to enjoy the rare delicacy, the duo takes a bite, only to be sent to the first level of the secret world: Crushin' Columns.
10Barrel Cannon Delays
Barrel Cannons are a staple mechanic in the Donkey Kong series, launching players through the air in strategic and often chaotic directions. These barrels come in various types, but they fall into two primary categories: autofire barrels and manual fire barrels. Jumping into an autofire barrel instantly propels you in a pre-determined direction, while manual fire barrels give you the control to choose when (and often where) to launch.
If you linger too long in a manual fire barrel, DK and Diddy will peek out of the barrel, giving you a puzzled look as if questioning the delay. They’ll only pop back into the barrel when you finally fire the cannon.
9Mr. Game & Watch Has A Career Change
One of Nintendo’searliest handheld gaming systems, the Game & Watch, featured an innovative LCD screen. While the console was groundbreaking for its time, its true legacy lies in its mascot: Mr. Game & Watch. This two-dimensional, silhouetted character made his debut in Ball and has since appeared in various Nintendo games, including Donkey Kong Country Returns HD.
In the first Factory level, Foggy Fumes, keep an eye on the background. You’ll spot Mr. Game & Watch hard at work, hammering away at some factory equipment, making for a fun and nostalgic Easter egg for fans of Nintendo’s history.
8Banana Rock
One of the most useful items available in Cranky Kong’s Shop is the Map Key, which unlocks hidden paths leading to new levels in each world. In the Jungle world, Cranky Kong’s unlockable level is Sunset Shore, a breathtaking stage that takes DK and Diddy on a stunning silhouette journey along a beach at sunset.
As you progress through the level, keep an eye on the ocean in the background. About halfway through, you’ll come across a series of rocks emerging from the water. If you stop and stand in just the right spot, these rocks align perfectly to form the iconic shape of a banana.
7Prehistoric-Themed Tiki Tak Tribe Leader
The sixth world in Donkey Kong Country Returns takes players to the Cliffs, a rugged area brimming with dinosaur skeletons, bubbling tar pits, and ancient fossils etched into the cliff faces. This prehistoric theme carries through to Xylobone, the Tiki Tak Tribe leader of the Cliffs, who hypnotizes Thugly, the world’s boss.
Like the other members of the Tiki Tak Tribe, Xylobone’s design is inspired by a musical instrument, in this case, a xylophone. However, its unique appearance also cleverly nods to paleontology, as Xylobone bears a striking resemblance to a Trilobite fossil.
These extinct marine arthropods, known for their segmented exoskeletons, are among the most common and recognizable marine fossils, adding a fitting touch of prehistoric flair to the Cliffs' atmosphere.
6Donkey Kong Country Returns And Metroid
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD was created by Retro, the company who also made several Metroid games. As such, it snuck in several nods to Metroid. Here are a few standouts:
Many players have noted the similarities between the music in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD and the Metroid OST. While there isn’t an official confirmation of an Easter egg linking the two, it’s worth mentioning that both soundtracks were composed by Kenji Yamamoto.
5Diddy Kong’s Happy Barrel Jet
Diddy Kong is celebrated for his agility, known for jumping higher and farther than Donkey Kong, a fact that is magnified by his Barrel Jet. In Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, the Barrel Jet allows Diddy to hover for a few seconds. When paired with DK, the Barrel Jet Pack can even support the larger ape, enabling both to hover together briefly.
Diddy’s Barrel Jet, also known as the Jetbarrel or Rocketbarrel Pack, first debuted in Donkey Kong 64 and was powered by Crystal Coconuts.
A charming detail accompanies this gadget: each time Diddy activates his Barrel Jet Pack, it releases a burst of smoke shaped like a smiley face. This playful touch adds personality to his iconic jet pack.
4DK And Diddy Are Playing The Original Wii Game
In the very first level, Jungle Hijinks, players have the opportunity to turn around and enter Donkey Kong’s treehouse right at the start of the level. Inside, you’ll find a television and a radio. If you pound the ground in front of the television for a few seconds, it will spring to life, displaying the original Donkey Kong Country Returns Wii title screen, a nostalgic nod to the game’s origins.
Meanwhile, the radio will start playing the iconic Donkey Kong theme, adding another layer of classic homage for long-time fans of the series.
3A Nod To Billy Mitchell
Billy Mitchell is a controversial figure in the gaming world, gaining widespread recognition during the 1980s and 1990s for setting numerous records in classic arcade games, and in later years forhis numerous disputeswith the speedrunning community.
His most famous achievement is earning a perfect score on Pac-Man, a feat that was long considered nearly impossible. However, Mitchell’s legacy extends beyond Pac-Man - he also secured along-lasting spot on the leaderboard of the original Donkey Kong arcade game, the validity of which was a point of contention for years.
Mitchell is known for wearing his American flag tie at public appearances, and Donkey Kong Country Returns HD pays tribute to it by incorporating his tie into the game’s design. In Level 3-2, Button Bash, players enter monkey-themed ruins through the mouth of a large monkey statue. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the statue is wearing Mitchell’s signature tie.
“Button Bash” is also a clever pun, referencing button mashing in video games.
2Classic DK Makes An Appearance
One of the most delightful Easter eggs in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD can be found in the first level of the Ruins, Wonky Waterway. As you navigate through the level’s platforming challenges, make sure to stop and admire the background near the end of the stage. There, you’ll spot a pixelated version of the original Donkey Kong, proudly standing atop a temple as a tribute to his classic arcade days.
In the original Donkey Kong Country Returns, DK holds a Wii Remote high above his head. However, in the 2025 HD remaster, he’s upgraded with the times, trading in the Wii Remote for a red Nintendo Switch Joy-Con.
