Can You Play Donkey Kong Country Returns without a Nunchuck?
The Short Answer
Donkey Kong Country Returns is a platformer game for the Wii, and, initially, it was released as a console exclusive in 2010. Since then, many gamers have asked the same question – Can you play Donkey Kong Country Returns without a Nunchuck? As of now, the official answer is: no. Donkey Kong Country Returns specifically requires a Wiimote and a Nunchuck controller, or a horizontal Wiimote for dual-analog control.
However, after more years and developer experimentation, players can finally play this iconic game on the Nintendo Switch, Virtual Console and re-release through other avenues with modifications. Today, Yes, Donkey Kong Country Returns is playable with non-standard control settings!
Let’s dive into the different possibilities and discover how, if at all, one can play this beloved classic without a traditional Nunchuck.
The First Possibility – Wii Edition (2010)
For the 2010 release of Donkey Kong Country Returns on Wii, using the Wii controller with horizontal grip is allowed. Hold the Wiimote sideways (with the sensors facing downward), and players can explore the world as Donkey Kong, enjoying the motion-controlled platformer experience with relative ease. Unfortunately, this feature is specifically available for this Wii-exclusive game, with no native support for third-party controls or other modifications.
The Second Possibility – Re-released Edition (2020) – PC & Consoles
To our surprise, the creators took heed of our pleas. Today, Donkey Kong Country Returns is also available as part of a bundle release called Donkey Kong: King of Swing, compatible with PC (via emulation and native compilation), Wii U, Wii, New Nintendo 2DS/3DS XL, Switch Lite, Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED! This includes compatibility with several control devices!
Configuring your Control Options on PC:
For PC and emulator versions of the game, settings can be modified through console commands in various emulators or configuring in-game controllers. Many enthusiasts have done this work already, detailing the instructions:
- Hold the Right Alt key: Controller: Assign gamepad axis
- Bind keys by moving the virtual joystick:
Example:
"joy_device" := 0
"joy_x" = 50 (move character left, forward)
"joy_x" = 50.25 (strafe movement)