When Nintendo revisits one of its older titles, expectations are high—and with Mario vs. Donkey Kong on the Switch, the company delivers a remake that’s both charming and family-friendly. While not groundbreaking in terms of gameplay, the 2024 version of the Game Boy Advance classic manages to modernize the experience with better visuals, co-op play, and loads of bonus content.
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The story begins with a classic DK moment: Donkey Kong watches TV, sees a commercial for adorable Mario wind-up toys, and immediately wants one. When he finds out they’re sold out, he storms the toy factory and steals them all. Mario takes off in pursuit, setting the stage for a series of puzzle-platforming levels where the goal is to collect Mini-Marios and outsmart DK.
Gameplay-wise, Mario vs. Donkey Kong sits in a middle ground between platformer and puzzle game. Mario can jump, climb, handstand to block falling objects, grab keys, and throw items. The mechanics work fine, though they can feel a little stiff at times. Mario’s movement is a bit sluggish, and jumping can be oddly heavy, which sometimes leads to awkward falls or missed landings. The hitboxes and ledge detection are occasionally inconsistent too—but these issues rarely derail the experience.
One of the most appreciated additions is the co-op mode, where a second player can control a Toad. This mode is ideal for families or friends wanting to play together. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce younger players to puzzle-platforming, as the teamwork involved makes it more dynamic. The difficulty can be adjusted between "casual" and "classic" settings, offering either a forgiving or more traditional challenge.
There are 8 worlds with 8 main levels each, totaling over 130 levels once you include bonus content. While many levels are bite-sized and straightforward, the game occasionally throws in tougher puzzles or boss fights, like the first showdown against DK, which features random debris and tricky timing. For completionists, collecting all gold stars unlocks 16 expert levels, offering a much higher challenge ceiling. There’s even a time attack mode for players who enjoy speedrunning.
While the core gameplay might not blow anyone away, it’s the presentation that makes this remake shine. The art style is crisp and colorful, like stepping into a living cartoon. DK has never looked better, and each environment feels handcrafted with love, from toy-like factories to snowy wonderlands and city skylines.
One curious omission is the removal of many voice lines from the original. DK’s hilarious yells and some of Mario’s classic phrases are missing. This may be related to Nintendo's shift in voice talent, but it’s noticeable and makes the game feel a little quieter than its 2004 counterpart.
In the end, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is a remake that does exactly what it sets out to do: introduce a classic to new players with a shiny coat of paint and a few modern touches. It’s simple fun, ideal for kids, families, or longtime fans who want a laid-back but charming experience.