Release (UK): 18/11/1994
SNSP-8X-UKV
Release (USA): 21/11/1994
SNSP-8X-USA
Release (Jap): 26/11/1994
SHVC-8X
Genre: Platform
Developer: Rare Ltd.
Publisher: Nintendo Co., Ltd.







A wild release
Donkey Kong Country (1994) for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is one of the most iconic platformers of the 16-bit era, known for its revolutionary graphics and tight gameplay. The Go Ape CD version, a special edition, was released alongside the standard game and offered an additional disc packed with bonus music from popular acts such as Primal Scream, Oasis and Radiohead.
Groundbreaking visuals and gameplay
The original Donkey Kong Country was lauded for its cutting-edge pre-rendered 3D graphics, which set it apart from other platformers of its time. The game introduced Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as the main protagonists, who must venture through treacherous levels filled with enemies and obstacles to reclaim their stolen banana hoard. The gameplay combined fast-paced action with exploration, secret areas, and memorable animal companions, making it a hit on the SNES.
A collector’s edition worth hunting
While Donkey Kong Country was a major commercial success on its own, the Go Ape CD version remains a unique find for collectors.
See the whole series:
- Donkey Kong Country / SFC Box version (1994)
- Donkey Kong Land (Related) (1995)
- Donkey Kong Land 2 (Related) (1996)
- Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble! (1996)
- Donkey Kong Land III (Related) (1997)
- Donkey Kong 64 (1999)
- Donkey Kong Country (Port) (2000)
- Donkey Kong Country (Remake) (2003)
- Donkey Kong Country 2 (Remake) (2004)
- Donkey Kong Country 3 (Remake) (2005)
- Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010)
- Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (Port) (2013)
- Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014)
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (2025)
(Indicates year of first release. Dates may differ between regions.)