For over fifteen years, fans of the Budokai Tenkaichi series have waited for a true successor. That wait ended in October 2024 with the release of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero, the fourth mainline installment in the franchise. Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment and developed by Spike Chunsoft, the game revives the signature 3D arena fighter experience with a roster that spans Dragon Ball Z, Super, GT, and selected movies.
As the first game outside Japan to carry the original Sparking! title, this entry marks a significant moment for the series. The launch roster exceeded 180 fighters, making it the largest character selection in any Dragon Ball game to date. Post-launch content has since expanded that number to 208 characters.
From release dates and pricing to gameplay modes and the full roster, here is everything you need to know about Dragon Ball Sparking Zero.
When Is the Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Release Date?
(worldwide)
Spike Chunsoft
Bandai Namco Entertainment
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, Switch 2
- Sparking Zero is the first mainline Budokai Tenkaichi sequel in over 15 years.
- The game offers the largest character roster in Dragon Ball gaming history.
- Early access for pre-orders of the Ultimate Edition began three days before the official launch.
- The game is not available on mobile platforms or last-generation consoles.
- Post-launch DLC has expanded the roster from 180 to 208 characters.
- It is the first entry to use the original “Sparking!” title outside Japan.
- The game supports online Ranked Match and Custom Battle modes.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Official Release Date | |
| Japan Release | |
| Nintendo Switch & Switch 2 Port | |
| Developer | Spike Chunsoft |
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Base Roster | Over 180 fighters |
| Roster with DLC | 208 characters |
| Game Modes | Ranked Match, Custom Battle, Episodic Battle |
| Steam Achievements | 50 |
| Latest Patches | ; |
The game initially launched on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. A Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 port followed on , with dedicated patches supporting both platforms. Ongoing updates have continued well into 2026, with maintenance patches applied as recently as .
What Is the Price of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero and What Editions Are Available?
Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is available in three primary editions. The Standard Edition includes the base game with over 180 characters. The Deluxe Edition adds a Season Pass covering four DLC packs with more than 20 additional characters, plus the Summon Shenron bonus. The Ultimate Edition includes everything from the Deluxe Edition, an Ultimate Upgrade Pack, and the Super Shenron summon bonus.
The Standard Edition provides the full base experience. The Deluxe Edition adds the Season Pass with four DLC packs. The Ultimate Edition includes all Deluxe content plus the Ultimate Upgrade Pack and Super Shenron summon. Pricing varies by region and retailer.
Pre-Order Bonuses and DLC
Pre-ordering any edition granted the Summon Shenron bonus. The Ultimate Edition offered three-day early access beginning . A PlayStation 5 exclusive pre-order bonus, Goku (Mini), was also available with Japanese voiceover only and may be sold separately at a later date.
The Season Pass includes four DLC packs. Among the confirmed content are Dragon Ball SUPER: SUPER HERO and Dragon Ball DAIMA packs. Additional characters have been announced, including Shallot from Dragon Ball Legends, Super Saiyan Bardock, King Piccolo, Hell Fighter 17, Super 17, Devilman, Grandpa Gohan, Champa, Mercenary Tao, Zangya, and Pikkon. New stages, costumes, and a new game mode were revealed alongside these characters. The Dragon Ball DAIMA: Character Pack 1 is scheduled for release on , according to the Nintendo store listing.
For the latest pricing information, it is best to check current retailers such as the Steam store, PlayStation Store, and Bandai Namco official store directly, as prices vary by region.
What Platforms Is Dragon Ball Sparking Zero On and What Is the Download Size?
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero launched on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on . A port for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 arrived on , with separate patches for each console. The latest patch versions for Switch platforms are Ver. 2A013.012.003.009.011 for Switch 2 and Ver. 2013.012.003.009.011 for Switch.
The game is not available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or any mobile platform such as the Google Play Store.
Download Size and System Requirements
The PlayStation 5 version requires approximately 45 GB of storage space. The PC version via Steam occupies around 30 GB. Exact download sizes for the Xbox Series X|S version have not been specified in official materials. Patches require an internet connection, and online play mandates the latest game update.
Full system requirements for the PC version are available on the Steam store page. The game is listed under the Action genre. Players should verify specific hardware requirements on Steam before purchasing.
What Is Dragon Ball Sparking Zero? Gameplay, Characters, and Modes
A True Budokai Tenkaichi Sequel
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero is a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, which released in 2007. It is the fourth main Budokai Tenkaichi installment and the first to use the original Sparking! title internationally. The game revives the classic 3D arena fighter formula with high-speed battles that closely resemble the anime.
Combat includes beam clashes, rush attacks, ultra-fast movement, and planet-razing ultimate attacks. Each character features signature abilities and transformation sequences. The visual presentation aims for breathtaking 3D graphics that bring iconic moments to life.
The base game includes over 180 fighters from Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, and select movies. Post-launch expansions have grown the roster to 208 characters, with more than 20 additional fighters added through the Season Pass DLC packs.
Game Modes and Features
The game offers several modes. Ranked Match allows competitive online play. Custom Battle lets players create and share their own scenarios through the World Library feature. Episodic Battle follows the storylines from the anime. Local versus battles are also confirmed for offline multiplayer.
During some maintenance periods, the Custom Battle World Library mode was available in offline mode only. The game supports 50 Steam achievements for PC players. Ongoing patches have improved usability and stability across all platforms.
As of the latest available information, cross-platform play between PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch has not been officially confirmed. Players should verify current support on their chosen platform before purchasing.
When Were the Key Development Milestones for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
- March 2023 – The game was officially announced at Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2023.
- June 2024 – The first official gameplay trailer and October 2024 release window were revealed at Summer Game Fest.
- August 2024 – Pre-orders opened with details on editions and bonuses.
- September 2024 – The final character roster demo and Super Limit-Breaking trailer were released.
- October 8, 2024 – Early access for Ultimate Edition pre-orders began.
- October 11, 2024 – The official worldwide launch took place on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
- November 14, 2025 – The Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 ports were released.
- January 24, 2026 – New characters including Super Saiyan Bardock, King Piccolo, and others were revealed for a future DLC release.
- May 31, 2026 – Dragon Ball DAIMA: Character Pack 1 is scheduled for release.
These milestones are sourced from official announcements by Bandai Namco, Steam store listings, and the Nintendo store. Ongoing patches continue to support the game across all platforms.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The game released on worldwide. | The complete DLC character list beyond the Season Pass promise has not been fully detailed. |
| Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. | Whether crossplay will be available at launch or added later has not been officially confirmed. |
| The Ultimate Edition includes the Season Pass. | The exact number of stages available at launch remains unconfirmed by official sources. |
| Over 180 playable characters in the base game, growing to 208 with DLC. | Specific pricing for individual DLC packs has not been widely published. |
| Developed by Spike Chunsoft and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. | Full system requirements for the PC version beyond basic Steam listings are not detailed. |
Where details remain unconfirmed by official channels, we note that clearly. We recommend checking official storefronts and publisher announcements for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Why Does Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Matter as a Budokai Tenkaichi Sequel?
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero revives the Budokai Tenkaichi series after more than fifteen years. The franchise had not seen a mainline entry since Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 in 2007. This revival brings the classic 3D arena fighter formula to modern consoles with significantly expanded technology and visual capabilities.
The game capitalizes on over forty years of Dragon Ball content, including material from Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball GT, and theatrical films. It competes directly with other arena fighters in the market while appealing to the dedicated fanbase that grew up with the original Budokai Tenkaichi trilogy.
The commercial reception has been generally positive, with the title achieving massive commercial success for Bandai Namco Entertainment. According to the Wikipedia article, the game represents the largest character roster in any Dragon Ball game to date.
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
Official sources provide the most authoritative information. The Bandai Namco Entertainment website offers product details, edition comparisons, and purchase links. The Steam store page provides PC-specific pricing, file size, and system requirements. The Wikipedia article offers historical context and confirmed factual data with cited sources. The Dragon Ball Fandom Wiki maintains deep character roster lists and gameplay mechanics details.
“Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a direct sequel to Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 and the fourth main Budokai Tenkaichi installment. It is the first game in the series to use the original Sparking! title internationally.”
— Wikipedia article on Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
“The game has received generally positive reviews and has been a massive commercial success for Bandai Namco Entertainment.”
— Dragon Ball Fandom Wiki summary on Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
For the latest pricing, download sizes, and system requirements, checking the official storefronts directly is recommended, as these details can change over time.
What Is the Final Verdict on Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
Dragon Ball Sparking Zero successfully revives the Budokai Tenkaichi franchise with the largest character roster in the series history, modernized 3D visuals, and faithful high-speed combat. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch, the game offers multiple editions to suit different budgets and content preferences. Post-launch DLC continues to expand the experience well into 2026. For the most current pricing and availability, checking official retailers and the DRAGON BALL: Sparking! Zero Comprehensive Research Summary on the official Bandai Namco site is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon Ball Sparking Zero
Is Dragon Ball Sparking Zero on Nintendo Switch?
Yes, a Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 port was released on , with dedicated patches supporting both platforms.
Can I pre-order Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
Pre-orders are available on the Bandai Namco store, Amazon, and other retailers. Pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition grants three-day early access.
Does Dragon Ball Sparking Zero have local multiplayer?
Yes, local versus battles are confirmed as a feature in the game.
Will Dragon Ball Sparking Zero have crossplay?
Crossplay between platforms has not been officially confirmed as of the latest available information.
Is Dragon Ball Sparking Zero on Xbox One?
No, the game is only available on current-generation consoles including Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.
How many characters are in Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
The base game includes over 180 fighters. Post-launch DLC has expanded the roster to 208 characters.
What DLC is available for Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
The Season Pass includes four DLC packs with over 20 new characters. Confirmed packs include Dragon Ball SUPER: SUPER HERO and Dragon Ball DAIMA.
What is the download size of Dragon Ball Sparking Zero on PS5?
The PS5 version requires approximately 45 GB of storage space. The PC version via Steam occupies around 30 GB.
Is Dragon Ball Sparking Zero on mobile?
No, the game is not available on mobile platforms such as the Google Play Store. It is only available on console and PC.
Who developed Dragon Ball Sparking Zero?
The game was developed by Spike Chunsoft and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Events Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, covering restaurants, nightlife, theatre, exhibitions, festivals and city life.