Published on: July 31, 2025
Bandai Namco officially confirmed today that Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero will launch on both the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and the current Nintendo Switch, with a worldwide release date set for November 14, 2025.
Developed by renowned Japanese studio Spike Chunsoft, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero marks the highly anticipated fourth main installment in the long-running Budokai Tenkaichi series.
The announcement puts an end to months of industry speculation, cementing the game's arrival on both generations of Nintendo hardware.
After initial rumors surfaced in March and were followed by an official classification the next month, fans of the Dragon Ball franchise eagerly awaited formal confirmation.
Today’s announcement, delivered during the July 2025 Nintendo Direct, has energized the community, setting the stage for one of the year’s biggest fighting game releases.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero stands out for its dynamic 3D team battles, allowing players to assemble squads of up to five iconic characters from across the series’ storied history.
Featuring over 180 playable fighters—the largest roster in the franchise to date—the upcoming title promises both casual and competitive fans a chance to relive dramatic showdowns from the Dragon Ball universe.
Players will be able to execute powerful moves through a fluid combat system that combines punches, kicks, grapples, and an array of long-range energy abilities.
A unique "Sparking! Mode" mechanic delivers enhanced attacks by building up energy, enabling signature finishing moves true to the source material.
In addition to classic versus play, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero introduces the Custom Battle feature, letting gamers craft fantasy matchups and scenarios with their favorite heroes and villains.
Whether competing against the AI or taking on friends in local and online multiplayer modes, the game aims to offer depth, variety, and high-speed spectacle.
Bandai Namco, the publisher behind celebrated Dragon Ball video game adaptations, and developer Spike Chunsoft, known for their expertise with anime-based fighters, collectively bring decades of experience to the project.
Their partnership continues a franchise legacy that stretches back to the PlayStation 2 era, when Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi first defined large-scale, 3D arena combat for a generation of gaming fans.
With Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero set for release on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, Bandai Namco and Spike Chunsoft are poised to deliver a flagship entry that leverages the capabilities of Nintendo’s next-gen hardware while remaining accessible for current-gen players.
The new trailer, debuted as part of the latest Nintendo Direct, gives fans an extended look at the action-packed gameplay and robust character roster—building anticipation for its November 2025 launch.
For more updates on the latest announcements from the July 2025 Nintendo Direct, stay tuned to our Nintendo Switch coverage and follow the eShop for pre-order opportunities as the release date approaches.
Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Bandai Namco Switch 2 Switch Namco Spike Chunsoft Bandai Dragon Ball Dragon Ball Sparking Zero Budokai Tenkaichi Nintendo Direct