Nintendo has responded to backlash after gamers noticed no employees from Retro Studios mentioned in the Donkey Kong Country Returns HD credits. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a remaster of the 2010 title that was released for the Wii.

Country Returns breathed life back into the franchise and was considered the spiritual successor of the original Donkey Kong: Country trilogy from the Super Nintendo era. From the 2D platforming to its cartoon style, Retro Studios stayed true to the essence of the classic games while introducing new elements.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD's perceived snub of the development team at Retro Studios is addressed in a statement by Nintendo.