Aside from the platforming antics, donkey business, and the volcanic relationship of DK and Pauline, Donkey Kong Banananza has a nuanced story and is a treat visually. For the intrepid explorers of the game, there is a Photo Mode that will enable you to capture and share the most unforgettable moments of your journey to the Underground World.

How to Activate Photo Mode

Anytime in the game, you can hit the down button on the D-Pad, and that will trigger Photo Mode. This can be done while you interchange between different vehicles, fight with the underground creatures, or navigate the bizarre yet beautiful parts of the Subterranean World.

What You Can Do in Photo Mode

Although the Photo Mode in Donkey Kong Bananza is not the most complex, it is still useful for making noteworthy screenshots.

Available Features:

• Free Camera Movement: Adjust the camera angle and framing to capture the perfect shot.
• Image Focus Controls: Slight depth-of-field effects let you highlight DK, Pauline, or background details.
• Filter Selection: A handful of filters can be applied to screenshots for added mood and flair.
• HUD Toggle: You can fully disable the in-game HUD to create clean, cinematic images.

Missing Features:

• No Pose/Expression Editor: You can’t manually change DK or Pauline’s expressions or poses.
• No Character Placement Tools: The characters are frozen in their current state, no reposing or repositioning.
• Limited in Tight Areas: In confined spaces, the camera has reduced range and movement.

In some cutscenes, your ability to take screenshots is limited, making it impossible to capture your dialogues without the overlay.

Tips for Better Screenshots

• Trigger an Action First: Prior to switching to Photo Mode, try to execute some actions like jumping, spinning, or throwing something. Such activities tend to result in interesting body shapes alongside some distinctive and fun facial expressions.
• Look for Lighting Opportunities: Certain areas in the Underground World are beautifully lit. Try to use in-game lighting to your advantage for more atmospheric shots.
• Use Verticality: The levels in Bananza are stacked with height differences, experiment with high or low camera angles to emphasize scale.
• Capture Emotions Mid-Movement: While you can’t change expressions manually, DK’s animations often reflect his current action. Use this to your advantage.

Though Donkey Kong Bananza’s Photo Mode may lack some of the deep custom options found in modern AAA titles, it’s still a welcome addition. With just a bit of timing and creativity, you can take dynamic snapshots of DK and Pauline’s adventure as they journey toward the Planet Core.