Summary

The classic handheld puzzle titleMario vs. Donkey Kongis coming back on the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and new co-op support. Mario and Donkey Kong have a shared history together, as both Nintendo mascots made their debut inthe originalDonkey Kongarcade gamein 1981. Since then, the plumber and ape have alternated between friends and rivals in crossover titles likeMario KartandSuper Smash Bros., and there was even an entire series of portable spin-offs devoted to their legendary feud.

The originalMario vs. Donkey Kongwas released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, and blended platforming and puzzle elements as Mario navigated stages in search of keys to rescue the toy-like mini-Marios from Donkey Kong’s clutches. ManyMario vs. Donkey Kongsequelshave been released since, with the most recent one beingMario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Starsfor the Wii U in 2015.

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Now the originalMario vs. Donkey Kongis being remade for the Nintendo Switch on July 30, 2025. This was one of the first announcements made during today’sNintendo Direct livestream, with a colorful trailer showing offMario vs. Donkey Kong’s plot and platformer/puzzle gameplay. After Donkey Kong steals the mini-Mario toys, the real Mario springs into action to get them back by running and jumping his way through several puzzle-like courses.

The trailer goes on to demonstrate how players use observation to solve the various dilemmasMariocomes across in his journey. For example, Mario needs to clear a chasm of spikes to reach the key on the other side at one point, which he does by grabbing hold of a wind-up money’s tail to carry him across the gap. Mario can also use Handstand Jumps and backflips to jump higher, trigger structures with switches, and bounce off of enemies to collect mini-Marios and clear stages.

As a bonus, this updated version ofMario vs. Donkey Kongwill feature local co-op, allowing friends to take on the game’s challenges together as Mario and Toad. TheoriginalMario vs. Donkey Konggamesare considered to be underrated gems of the Game Boy Advance era, and now fans will be able to dive into the fabled rivalry either for the first time or all over again when this Switch update is released in February.

Mario Vs. Donkey Konglaunches on the Nintendo Switch on July 25, 2025.