Bandai Namco has announced a new software update for the Nintendo Switch version of Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, designed to enhance the experience for players upgrading to the Nintendo Switch 2. Scheduled to launch on November 14, the update introduces significant graphical improvements, including sharper character models and more detailed battle environments, when played on the next-generation console. This patch ensures that the game takes advantage of the Switch 2’s enhanced hardware capabilities while maintaining cross-play compatibility across supported systems.
However, players should note certain save data restrictions when transitioning between systems. While some progress from the original Switch version can be carried over, battle replay data, custom battle edits, and online battle records will not transfer. Likewise, switching back to the original console after applying the update may result in partial data carryover. Compatibility for online and offline battles will be limited to players using the same updated version, ensuring a unified matchmaking environment.
Full Patch Notes
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO Nintendo Switch™ Software Update Details:
- Adds compatibility for Nintendo Switch™ 2, enabling enhanced visual fidelity.
- Improved clarity and richer detail for characters and battle backgrounds.
- Allows cross-play between:
- Nintendo Switch™ 2 version of the software.
- Nintendo Switch™ version with the update applied on Nintendo Switch™ 2 system.
- Online and offline battles are not compatible with players using the original Nintendo Switch™ version of the game without the update.
- Save Data Transfer Notes:
- Some save data from the original Nintendo Switch™ version can be carried over.
- Battle replay data, custom battle edit data, and online battle records cannot be transferred.
- After applying the update on Nintendo Switch™ 2 and returning to the original system, some save data may still carry over, but certain features will remain incompatible.
- The update data will be available starting November 14, 2025.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is the fourth main entry in the Budokai Tenkaichi 3D fighting series, known for its explosive, high-speed combat and vast character roster featuring over 180 fighters from Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super. Players can engage in dynamic, destructible battles across iconic locations, experience branching storylines through eight main character perspectives, and create custom scenarios in the game’s robust editor. The game was released on October 11, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions launching on November 14, 2025.
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