Donkey Kong Bananza now serves as my preferred software for creating 3D models
Donkey Kong Bananza, the popular game released on July 19, 2025, has captured the imagination of players with its innovative feature, Donkey Kong Artist Mode. This mode, available right from the game's title screen, offers a unique 3D sculpting, painting, and lighting experience, all controlled by the Switch 2's Joy-Cons in mouse mode.
Fans of Donkey Kong Bananza have been spending hours in DK Artist Mode, creating models of various characters and random creations. From stunning masterpieces to the oddly curious, the creations showcase the creativity of the gaming community. The mode's simplicity and accessibility have even sparked a new genre in digital art – Donkey Kong art.
While DK Artist Mode is a fun and creative tool, it is not a viable alternative to professional 3D modeling software like Blender or ZBrush. The mode offers a limited set of sculpting tools and simple base shapes, making it less versatile than its professional counterparts. The sculpting is done with Joy-Con controllers in mouse mode, which, while providing decent precision, remains cumbersome compared to professional-grade input devices.
DK Artist Mode is designed as a playful, accessible introduction for users unfamiliar with 3D modeling, much like how MS Paint introduced 2D digital art to newcomers. It is praised as a cost-effective and approachable way to experience 3D sculpting but not for professional or production-quality work.
Players can change tools using the left and right D-pad buttons, while the up and down D-pad buttons change colours. To start DK Artist Mode, players press the "+" button instead of a face button. Creations can be shared online, allowing the community to appreciate and learn from each other's work.
Despite its limitations, Donkey Kong Bananza's DK Artist Mode is a novel, enjoyable, beginner-friendly 3D modeling feature showcasing the Switch 2’s mouse controls. It is best viewed as a creative toy or educational step rather than a professional modeling tool. For those interested in 3D sculpting, DK Artist Mode offers a cheaper introduction than ZBrush, making it an attractive starting point for many.
In conclusion, Donkey Kong Bananza is a must-play title, and DK Artist Mode, with its unique features, adds an extra layer of appeal. While it may not rival professional 3D modeling software, it is a fun and engaging way to explore the world of 3D art, reminiscent of the joy of discovering Paint as a kid.
- The 3D sculpting, painting, and lighting experience in Donkey Kong Bananza's Artist Mode, controlled by the Switch 2's Joy-Cons, has been a source of creative expression for players.
- Digital art enthusiasts are using DK Artist Mode to create a new genre, called Donkey Kong art, with their various character models and random creations.
- The simplicity and accessibility of DK Artist Mode has made it a cost-effective and approachable introduction for users unfamiliar with 3D modeling.
- While DK Artist Mode is a fun, beginner-friendly tool, it is not a viable alternative to professional 3D modeling software like Blender or ZBrush due to its limited set of sculpting tools and simple base shapes.
- Colors can be changed within DK Artist Mode using the up and down D-pad buttons, and creations can be shared online for the community to appreciate and learn from each other's work.
- Donkey Kong Bananza's DK Artist Mode showcases the Switch 2’s mouse controls and offers an enjoyable, educational experience for those interested in 3D sculpting, serving as an affordable entry point into the world of digital art and 3D design.
