Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Goes Portable! (And Yes, Motion Controls are Back!)
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Bandai Namco's *Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero* is coming to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 this November, complete with motion controls and a massive roster of characters. Get ready to power up on the go!
Right, listen up, Saiyan warriors! Bandai Namco just dropped a bombshell during the July 2025 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase: *Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero* is officially blasting its way onto the Nintendo Switch and…wait for it…the *Nintendo Switch 2* this November!
I reckon that's pretty neat, innit? Especially considering some folks thought a Switch port might be a bit of a stretch given the game's scale. (I'm not saying I doubted it, but I *was* picturing the Switch spontaneously combusting during a Spirit Bomb charge.)
According to IGN South Africa (cheers to Michael Cripe for the scoop!), we’re looking at a November 14, 2025, release date. That gives you plenty of time to practice your Kamehameha poses in the mirror. Speaking of poses, let’s get to the juicy bit. The trailer showcased gameplay on the Switch, and blimey, it actually looks pretty decent. I mean, it’s not going to be *identical* to the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S versions, but it's certainly a playable port and a testament to the Switch 2's capabilities.
And hold on to your Dragon Balls, because… motion controls are back! Remember waggling the Wiimote like a maniac to unleash a special attack? Well, get ready to do it again with the Joy-Cons! The trailer specifically highlighted using motion controls for Goku’s Spirit Bomb. Personally, I'm torn. Part of me is cringing at the potential for flailing-related injuries, but the other part is screaming with nostalgic glee. Fair dinkum, it might be a laugh.
Beyond the core fighting action (which, let's be honest, is what we're all here for), the Switch version will also include Episode Battle Mode, letting you relive (or remix – ooh, intriguing!) classic Dragon Ball moments. There’s also a Custom Battle Mode, which sounds like a recipe for absolute chaos. Imagine pitting Yamcha against Super Saiyan Blue Gogeta... Now that’s content!
Nintendo's official blurb promises "high-speed, 360-degree movement battles with teams of up to five characters from across Dragon Ball history.” And, of course, the largest roster in the franchise’s history: over 180 playable characters. I'm not sure my thumbs are ready for that many button combinations.
*Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero* originally launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S in October 2024 (following an earlier leak – someone’s getting fired!). So, if you've already rinsed through it on those platforms, now you can take the fight on the go. I reckon that's a solid win for everyone.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to practice my Spirit Bomb technique. Just need to find a willing (or, preferably, unwilling) volunteer. Wish me luck!
Tags: Dragon Ball, Sparking Zero, Nintendo Switch, Fighting Games, Anime Games
Original article: IGN South Africa