A Wednesday to Remember: The Kongs, The Console, and The Community

By ModVC Staff

Welcome back, Nintendo fans! It is Wednesday, January 21, 2026, and the gaming landscape is buzzing with an electric mix of nostalgia and cutting-edge innovation. We have been glued to our screens—both the classic Switch and the shiny new Nintendo Switch 2—tracking developments that range from heartwarming community efforts in Animal Crossing to serious economic shifts that could impact your wallet later this year.

Whether you are a retro enthusiast celebrating the return of a beloved Kong, or a tech-savvy gamer analyzing the latest frame rates on the Switch 2, today’s news cycle has something for everyone. Let’s dive straight into the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond.

Surprise! Dixie Kong Swings Into Donkey Kong Country Returns HD

In a move that has absolutely delighted the platforming community, Nintendo dropped a surprise update today for Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. When this title was originally released for the Wii way back in 2010, and subsequently ported to the 3DS, it was hailed as a return to form. However, one omission always stung for hardcore fans of the original SNES trilogy: where was Dixie Kong?

Today, Nintendo answered that question with Version 1.1.0. Available now on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, this free update officially adds Dixie Kong as a playable character!

The Helicopter Spin is Back

For those who grew up with Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Dixie is more than just a sidekick; she is a tactical necessity. Her signature ponytail helicopter spin allows for precision platforming that Diddy and DK simply can't match. This addition changes the meta of the game entirely, allowing players to traverse wide gaps and correct mistimed jumps with ease.

But that is not all. The update also introduces a "Turbo Attack" mode, designed specifically for speedrunners who want to push the game's engine to its absolute limit.

Here is a quick breakdown of what Version 1.1.0 brings to the table:

It is incredibly refreshing to see Nintendo supporting a remaster with substantial content updates post-launch. It speaks to their commitment to keeping legacy titles alive and fresh for new generations.

The Switch 2: Breaking Records and Breaking Banks?

It has been roughly eight months since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and the numbers are finally painting a clear picture: Nintendo is unstoppable in its home territory.

21 Years of Dominance

According to new data from IXBT.games and Famitsu, Nintendo has now dominated the Japanese console market for 21 consecutive years. This is an unprecedented run that spans from the Nintendo DS era through the Wii, 3DS, Switch, and now the Switch 2.

The report highlights that the Switch 2 has become the fastest-selling console in Japanese history, outpacing even the meteoric rise of the original Switch in 2017. The hybrid concept remains king, and the graphical leap has been enough to convince millions to upgrade.

The Dark Cloud: Price Hikes Inbound?

However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows. A sobering report from The Shortcut and analyst Matt Swider suggests that 2026 might bring a price increase for the Switch 2 hardware.

Why the hike? Two main factors are at play:

1. Memory Costs: The price of high-speed RAM and flash storage has skyrocketed globally.
2. Tariffs: New international trade tariffs are squeezing hardware manufacturers.

Niko Partners predicts that these costs will likely be passed down to the consumer before the holiday season of 2026. If you have been waiting to buy a Switch 2, the current MSRP might be the best deal you see for a while.

Switch 2: The 2026 Outlook

Mature Gaming Finds a Home: Yakuza Kiwami 3 Demo

Speaking of the Switch 2's library, the days of Nintendo consoles being solely for "kids' games" are long gone. The Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series continues its expansion onto Nintendo platforms.

Today, Sega announced that the demo for Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties launches on the Switch 2 eShop! The demo goes live at 9:00 PM PST today. This is a massive stress test for the Switch 2's hardware, as the Kiwami 3 engine is demanding, featuring complex lighting and dense crowd simulations.

(Above: High-fidelity titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake and Yakuza represent the new standard for Switch 2 visuals)

The fact that this demo is launching simultaneously with PS5 and Xbox Series X versions is a testament to how seriously developers are taking the Switch 2's specs. No longer is the Nintendo version arriving six months late as a "Cloud Version." It is here, it runs natively, and it looks spectacular.

Industry Moves: Doug Bowser Takes on Hasbro

In corporate news, a familiar face is making moves. Doug Bowser, the man who famously led Nintendo of America (and endured a million Mario/Bowser jokes), has joined the board of directors at Hasbro.

Bowser retired from Nintendo just a few weeks ago, ending a tenure that saw the Switch become one of the best-selling consoles of all time. His move to Hasbro—the giants behind Dungeons & Dragons, Transformers, and Magic: The Gathering—seems like a natural fit. We wish him the best of luck in his new role. Perhaps we will see a Nintendo x Hasbro board game collaboration in the future?

Community Corner: Animal Crossing Wholesomeness

Finally, we end on a heartwarming note. Animal Crossing: New Horizons may be a few years old, but the community is as vibrant as ever.

A new wave of Legend of Zelda themed items was recently introduced to the game. While these were intended to be unlocked via Zelda Amiibo, the community has other plans. Players on GAMINGbible and Reddit are organizing massive "cataloging parties" and giveaways, ensuring that players who do not own the specific Amiibo can still acquire the Master Sword, Hylian Shield, and Champion's Tunic furniture items.

It is a beautiful reminder of why the Nintendo community is special. In an era of microtransactions and gatekeeping, Animal Crossing players are just opening their gates and sharing the loot.

Watch: Latest Analysis & Reactions

Want to dive deeper? Check out these videos from around the community analyzing today's massive news drop.

• Nintendo Switch 2: 8 Months Later... Is it Worth It in 2026? - Jon Valiagas
  Watch Video

• Things Are About To Get CRAZY For Nintendo Switch 2! - RGT 85
  Watch Video

• Nintendo’s FIRST 2026 Direct Is Going to Be HUGE - SwitchForce
  Watch Video

Stay tuned to ModVC for more updates as we play through the Yakuza demo and attempt to speedrun Donkey Kong with Dixie's hair spin!

Sources:

• GAMINGbible: Animal Crossing Freebies
• The Shortcut: Switch 2 Price Hike
• Gamereactor UK: Dixie Kong Update
• IGN: DK Free Update Details
• IXBT.games: Japan Sales Dominance