Bandai Namco sets 2027 cross-play test for Sparking Zero

Bandai Namco and Spike Chunsoft laid out 2026-2027 updates for Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, which has sold more than 5 million units since its October 2024 launch, Levelup reported Oct. 11.

The plan extends support roughly two years after launch and runs to after summer 2027, when cross-play beta testing is planned; Levelup provided no prior franchise-sales comparison for the 5 million figure.

According to the trade-press report, the companies’ roadmap starts in fall 2026 with a new legendary battle for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC players featuring Super Saiyan Gogeta. Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 players are set to receive a similar event centered on the Dragon Ball Super version of Frieza.

The first major free update is scheduled for winter across PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Its main addition is Tower of Power, a single-player mode built around climbing floors by beating stronger enemies. Players who clear the mode receive a customization item that changes the visual effect of Ki charging.

Spring 2027 brings the larger platform split into focus. PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC players are set to get an online version of Tower of Power, with cooperative play for as many as five users taking turns in battles.

The same spring window also adds Mission 100 SP and Survival Mode SP, upgraded versions of existing challenges designed for custom characters made through the Limit Breaker Journey progression system. Levelup reported that Bandai Namco and Spike Chunsoft said these modes will not require buying the Super Limit-Breaking NEO DLC.

Nintendo owners get a catch-up wave in spring 2027. The report said the Super Limit-Breaking NEO package, which includes more than 30 playable characters and Limit Breaker Journey, will come to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in that period, along with standard Mission 100 and Survival modes.

The roadmap’s most requested platform feature comes later. After summer 2027, the companies plan beta testing for cross-play, meaning users on different platforms can play together. The initial test is limited to PS5, Xbox and PC through Steam, according to Levelup.

The report did not say whether cross-play will reach Switch or Switch 2, and a beta test is not the same as a full release. Levelup linked fan interest in the feature to long matchmaking waits, but the supplied material gives no player-count data or timing metrics.

Bandai Namco also plans a paid DLC fighter after summer 2027, though the character was not identified. Levelup separately cited recent rumors about more than 20 possible characters, including Bio-Broly, Arale and Cyborg Tao Pai Pai, but said the developers have not verified those claims.

What to watch

• Fall 2026: legendary battle updates, with Super Saiyan Gogeta on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, and a Dragon Ball Super Frieza event for Nintendo consoles.

• Winter 2026: the first major free update for PC, PlayStation and Xbox, led by the Tower of Power single-player mode.

• Spring 2027: online Tower of Power, Mission 100 SP and Survival Mode SP for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC; Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 receive the Super Limit-Breaking NEO package.

Source: trade-press article, Levelup, Oct. 11, 2026