- starting in multiplayer lets both players start off, rather than Donkey Kong needing to find a barrel to break out the second player
- if one person is killed in action, his or her partner can continue on
- players have a set number of lives
- downed players still have to be rescued via barrel
- Dixie is more graceful, pirouetting across the stage or using her ponytail to helicopter over enemies
- Dixie can slap the ground with her hair
- Dixie is able to fire attacks at enemies with bubblegum gun when riding on Donkey's back
- Donkey can also use the helicopter maneuver when Dixie is on his back
- find eggplant-like fruits filled with water that can put out fires
- will feature minecart levels
- music features environmental, yet thematic movements
- the expelled Kong clan travels from island to island
- each one represents a different type of environment
- these include tropical, fiery Savannah, ice, etc.
- levels are layered and showcase areas you may visit later in the level or later on that island
- easy and hard mode alongside normal
- ice levels feature slipper tilting platforms
- Savannah levels have grass, vines, and even enemies set ablaze, with some areas catching fire after you pass by
- one level features multiple hot-air balloons
- one minecart level shifts to a behind-the-back view at one point
- rocket barrel level has rats chasing you and cave areas that light up as you pass
- a water level features the same silhouette effects from the first game
- water levels let you swim in sliding, arcing patterns
- avoid electric jellyfish while swimming
- collect air bubbles for air
- Dixie can jump slightly higher when you hold down the jump button
- underwater, Dixie uses her hair to propel herself through the water
- blowing mechanic has been removed
- roll through grass to shred it and find hidden items
- collecting all the bananas may make an item appear
- some hidden areas require items (barrels) to open them or enemies to reach them
