Bandai Namco has officially announced that Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero will be released on both the upcoming Switch 2 and the original Switch console. This confirmation came during Nintendo`s July Partner Direct event. These new Nintendo versions will offer the same gameplay experience as the PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC versions released last year, but with the added feature of motion controls for specific attacks, such as Goku`s iconic Spirit Bomb. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero will be available in multiple editions for both Switch platforms, including a $60 physical standard edition and various digital editions packed with extra content. All editions are currently available for preorder ahead of the game`s November 14 launch. Preordering any version of the game on either Nintendo handheld system will also grant early access to several characters.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Preorder Bonus Details
By preordering Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero for either the Switch 2 or Switch, players will receive Goku`s child form from the latest anime series, Dragon Ball Daima, as a bonus playable character. Additionally, preorders provide early access to six variations of Gogeta (the fusion of Goku and Vegeta) and Broly. While this isn`t the entire 182-character roster, it offers a significant head start. Here`s a comprehensive list of all the exclusive preorder bonus characters for the Switch 2 and Switch editions:
- Goku (Mini)
- Gogeta (Base form)
- Gogeta (Super Saiyan)
- Gogeta (Super Saiyan Blue)
- Broly (Base form)
- Broly (Super Saiyan)
- Broly (Legendary Super Saiyan)
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Standard Edition (Switch 2 and Switch)
$60 | Releases November 14
The standard edition of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero for Switch 2 and Switch includes the base game along with the bonus and early character unlocks if preordered before release. Physical copies are available for $60, while digital preorders are available on the Switch eShop.
It`s important to note a distinction for the Switch 2 version: it`s released as a Game-Key Card. This means the physical cartridge itself does not contain the game data; instead, it functions as a physical DRM key that allows you to download and play the digital version on your console. In contrast, the original Switch version includes the complete game data directly on the cartridge. Currently, Bandai Namco does not appear to offer an upgrade path from the original Switch version to the Switch 2 edition. The game`s performance on the original Switch remains uncertain, though Bandai Namco has confirmed that the more powerful hardware of the Switch 2 will naturally deliver superior graphics.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Digital Deluxe Edition (Switch 2 and Switch)
$90 | Releases November 14
Beyond the physical standard edition, Sparking Zero will also feature two digital-exclusive versions for Switch 2 and Switch that come with extra content. The first is the Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Digital Deluxe Edition. This edition includes the base game plus a Season Pass, which grants access to new story campaigns, additional playable characters, and more. The Season Pass comprises:
- Four DLC Packs based on Dragon Ball: Super Hero, Dragon Ball Daima, and more
- Over 20 additional playable characters
- Summon Shenron ability
Preorders for the Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Digital Deluxe Edition are available for $90 on the Nintendo eShop. Preordering this edition also secures the bonus Goku (Mini) character and the early unlocks for Gogeta and Broly variants. Please note that the Season Pass content will be available for individual purchase later.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Ultimate Edition (Switch 2 and Switch)
$100 | Releases November 14
The most comprehensive digital-only option is the $100 Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Ultimate Edition. This version includes all content from the Digital Deluxe Edition, plus several exclusive Ultimate Edition bonuses:
- Goku (Super) Costume with Power Pole
- Emote Voice Set
- 2 player card backgrounds
- 1 customization item that increases a character`s fighting ability
- Summon Super Shenron ability
Preorders for this edition can be placed on the Nintendo eShop.
While the Dragon Ball franchise boasts numerous video game adaptations, Sparking Zero stands out as arguably the most ambitious installment to date. It serves as a grand celebration of the entire Dragon Ball universe, featuring an expansive roster of 182 characters drawn from various Dragon Ball anime series and films. In addition to a single-player campaign that spans multiple Dragon Ball sagas, the game introduces a unique mode allowing players to alter the outcomes of iconic moments from the series. The game also supports online and local multiplayer for up to six participants.
Nintendo Switch owners can also enjoy several other excellent Dragon Ball games, all compatible with the Switch 2. For those seeking another fighting game, Dragon Ball FighterZ is an outstanding choice. Developed by Arc System Works, the studio renowned for Guilty Gear, FighterZ is a 2.5D tag-team fighting game featuring characters from Dragon Ball Z, GT, and Super. It offers a more traditional fighting game experience compared to Sparking Zero`s three-dimensional action. It can be acquired for $25.
If a story-driven, single-player Dragon Ball experience is preferred, Dragon Ball Kakarot is an excellent option. This action-RPG retells the entire Dragon Ball Z narrative through Goku`s perspective, incorporating an engaging grind system and skill customization as players explore the anime`s familiar world. The game has received multiple post-launch expansions adapting other Dragon Ball story arcs, including Dragon Ball Super and Dragon Ball Daima. Lastly, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 allows players to create their own custom character and join forces with Goku and other Z Warriors to safeguard the fabric of time and space. Despite being an older title, Xenoverse 2 has enjoyed continuous support with new DLC over the years, keeping its roster updated with recent Dragon Ball media.
Additional Dragon Ball Titles Available on Nintendo Switch
- Dragon Ball FighterZ — $25
- Dragon Ball Kakarot — $32.45
- Dragon Ball Kakarot: Daima Edition — $50
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 — $25 (originally $30)