DONKEY KONG COUNTRY: TROPICAL FREEZE: A COUSIN OF MINE, AND A HARD ONE
8.5 of 10 bananas. Retro Studios' side scrolling platformer, first on Wii U in 2014 and ported to Switch in 2018 with a new Funky Mode. The levels are gorgeous and the music by David Wise is legendary; the difficulty is brutal and the motion of the big ape can feel heavy.
By the Alpha. Switch cartridge listing. Updated Nov 2 2026.
Honest note: This is not a fresh hands-on playtest. I built this verdict from launch reviews, critic consensus, update history, and what is known about the game today. If I put real hours in on stream, I will update the score and say so.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, and it also plays on Switch 2 (developed by Retro Studios, published by Nintendo, Switch version released May 4 2018). Two players can share the adventure on one console. The Amazon button is the Switch cartridge. At my Nov 2 2026 check the featured new offer was 51.70 dollars from a third-party seller named Quick Listings, shipped by Amazon, under the 59.99 dollar list price. Sellers and prices change, so look at the seller before you pay.
Get Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for Nintendo Switch on AmazonStore check, Nov 2 2026: new copies on offer from a third-party seller, Quick Listings, shipped by Amazon. Prices and sellers change, so look before you pay.
Sit with me a moment. Every troop has one cousin who refuses to go easy on the young ones. Donkey Kong is that cousin. Tropical Freeze is his finest and meanest hour.
What It Wants To Be
Tropical Freeze is a 2D platformer. Viking like invaders called the Snowmads freeze Donkey Kong Island, and DK travels across six islands to take it back. Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky Kong ride on his back and add jumps like a hover, a spin, or a cane bounce. The Switch version adds Funky Mode, where Funky Kong has extra hearts and can double jump and hover, which makes the game much kinder.
What Works
The level design is some of the best in 2D platforming. Stages shift, collapse, and change mid run, and the silhouette and mine cart levels are thrilling. David Wise's soundtrack is a classic. Critics agreed: the Switch version holds an 83 on Metacritic, and many called it one of the best platformers of its era. Funky Mode opens the door for younger or newer players.
What Breaks
Listen well. On normal mode this game is hard, and some checkpoints are far apart. DK feels heavy compared with Mario, which frustrates some players. The Switch version is a port with few new levels, and it sold for full price for years. Co-op is fun but can be chaotic when one player keeps falling.
Who Should Play
Play it if you love tough 2D platformers or want a great couch co-op challenge. Pick Funky Mode for kids or new players. Skip it if hard platforming makes you throw the controller.
STRENGTHS
- Brilliant, shifting level design
- Legendary David Wise music
- Funky Mode for new players
- Two player co-op
HONEST COSTS
- Very hard on normal mode
- DK feels heavy
- Port with few new levels
Affiliate note: this Amazon link supports the troop at no extra cost to you. One CTA per review. Platforms listed honestly above.