Technical Performance: The Switch 2 Reality Check
Let’s get straight into the part everyone is curious about: How well does Sparking! ZERO actually runs on the Nintendo Switch 2? The answer: Better than you’d expect, but with the expected compromises. The game runs at a dynamic resolution that lands around 810p, scaling downwards when the action gets especially explosive. The Switch 2’s upgraded hardware keeps the visuals relatively clean, even in handheld mode. The real surprise is HDR support, which is not just a marketing bullet point. The light bloom, ki glows, and the warm flare of a Kamehameha beam genuinely pop off the screen. It goes a long way toward giving the handheld version a “premium” feel. However, there’s no avoiding the elephant in the room: The frame rate is locked at 30fps. Yes, it’s stable. Yes, it’s consistent
Visual Presentation: Stylish, explosive, and surprisingly clean
One thing you can never take away from Dragon Ball games is their ability to look spectacular. Even on less powerful hardware, the series always finds ways to make beams flash, explosions rumble, and transformations feel impactful. On Switch 2, that tradition continues. The destructible environments are fully intact, and craters form where bodies hit the ground (looking at you, Yamha), rocks shatter, and debris flies everywhere when you unleash a big special attack (Ka-me-ha-me-ha-got your nose). Character models look sharp thanks to the stylized shading, and HDR really elevates the colourful energy effects. The lighting during beam clashes is particularly impressive for handheld play, and on a big OLED television, it’s a true spectacle to watch (except for those sensitive to light). Still, compared to the PS5 or Series X versions my con-colleagues played, you will notice softer shadoow
Sound & atmosphere: It’s loud, familiar, and full of energy
The Dragon Ball aesthetic isn’t only about visuals; it’s the sound that completes the package. From the screaming energy attacks to the exaggerated punch impacts to the voice actors putting every ounce of drama into their delivery, the audio is classic Dragon Ball, and noticeable for everyone (my wife hated the fact that I got to play this one). What helps on Switch 2 is the stable performance and HDR clarity, which make it easier to sync with the rhythm of the fights. When you hear an energy blast whistle past your head or sense the rising charge of a finishing move,
Gameplay: Fast, flashy, and true to its senzu beans
Let’s talk gameplay, because this is where Sparking! ZERO truly shines. Any fan of the old Budokai Tenkaichi games will feel instantly at home. This is the evolution of that formula, featuring 3D arena combat, speed, vertical movement, and flashy finishers. So what’s new in this title compared to the other Dragon Ball Brawlers?
High-speed movement feels satisfying
Flying, dashing, and teleporting maintain the sense of momentum that defines the Tenkaichi lineage.
Combat is layered but intuitive
You can mash for fun or dig into deeper mechanics like vanish counters, pursuit chains, and timing-based clashes. I highly recommend the battle training tutorials.
Team Battles add strategic depth
Tagging in characters mid-fight gives you room to experiment with combos, transformations, and synergy-based playstyles.





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