On & Off Barrel

On & Off Barrels, also known as ON/OFF Barrels (or On/Off Barrels), are a type of barrel in Donkey Kong Country that appear only in Loopy Lights. As suggested by their name, On & Off Barrels act similarly to light switches. They are found either on the ground or in midair. By default, every On & Off Barrel has the white text "OFF" painted on it. If Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong touch an On & Off Barrel, all of the On & Off Barrels change to "ON." This causes the level to illuminate for a few seconds, allowing the Kongs to see the path and the enemies ahead. On & Off Barrels are similar to the Stop & Go Barrels from Stop & Go Station.

In the Game Boy Color remake, Loopy Lights is not as dark while the ON/OFF Barrels are turned off. In the Game Boy Advance remake, the level has a maroon tint while they are off, making it even less dark.

In Donkey Kong Land 2, during the level Glimmer's Galleon, there is a type of barrel similar to the On & Off Barrels. These barrels have a small lightbulb icon displayed on them, and when Diddy and Dixie touch one of these barrels, they temporarily brighten up the level.