Nintendo Switch drops surprise freebies you can claim now

Yet another batch of Nintendo Switch icons is now available for users of the console to claim.

This latest collection is inspired by the original Donkey Kong Country, which launched on the SNES back in 1994.

There is one catch. You need to play Donkey Kong Country in order to unlock the icons.

That’s no real hardship though because it is included in Nintendo Switch Online’s fantastic retro line-up.

That means it’s easily accessible, and this is a great chance to revisit a classic.

If you’ve never played Donkey Country Country before then you have the excuse to right your wrong. Trust me, this is an all-time great.

So which characters are available, I hear you ask?

Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong, Funky Kong, King K Rool, Rambi the Rhino, and Winky the Frog are all included.

These icons can be claimed until 2 September, so I’d recommend acting sooner rather than later if you want to get involved with this little giveaway.

Donkey Kong will soon return in Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, announced at the latest Nintendo Direct.

Take a look at the trailer for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD below.

Set to launch on 16 January 2025, this is the latest instalment in a long line of favourites of yesteryear being brought back by Nintendo.

In fact, just a few months ago, we saw a new iteration of Mario Vs Donkey Kong.

In our review, we said, “What you see is very much what you get, and there are very few surprises throughout the game’s short campaign. It’s far from Mario’s best, but certainly a fun time whether alone or with friends via a new co-op mode.”

It’s set to be an exciting few months for Nintendo Switch fans.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is poised to launch on 26 September, and let’s not forget that a new console is due to be announced before the fiscal year ends.