Wii version is legit great, and all that's different in the 3DS version is the frame rate and a new 'easy' mode, plus you don't need to waggle. The few mine cart and rocket levels (reminiscent of that old helicopter in a cave flash game) suck. It's worth dealing with that stuff for the main platforming stages. Don't let the 'Donkey Kong Country' name fool you--this actually has creative level design, variety, and challenging platforming.
fwiw, I hated the Donkey Kong Country SNES games. But I don't think Returns is better than Jungle Beat.