The next major Dragon Ball video game is getting extra time in the oven. Bandai Namco has confirmed that Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is now aiming for the second half of 2027, and fans of the anime have a lot to do with it.
Producer Masayuki Hirano shared the news in a message to players earlier this week, explaining that the development team has been reviewing feedback and survey results gathered since the game was revealed.
Super Saiyan Should Feel Like Super Saiyan
Anyone who grew up watching Goku power up for an entire episode knows that transforming is a huge part of what makes Dragon Ball special. When the golden aura kicks in, the fight changes, and the earlier Xenoverse games captured that by letting a transformation last for the rest of a battle once it was activated.
Recent footage of Xenoverse 3 changed that. Super Saiyan appeared to run on a timer of around one minute before wearing off, and a big chunk of the fanbase did not like it one bit. Many argued that a timed transformation clashed with how the forms work in the anime, where reaching a new level is treated as a major turning point in a fight.
Players also pointed to other concerns, including the look of the menus and visuals, and reports of connection issues from content creators who previewed the game. Put together, a lot of fans felt the game needed more time.
The Producer's Message
Hirano did not mention any specific mechanic, but he made it clear the feedback is being taken seriously. "Based on the feedback and survey results we have gathered, we have already held discussions with the development team and announced certain areas where we intend to make improvements in response," he said.
He also described the series as a long-term project shaped by its community. "Dragon Ball Xenoverse is a series that we build together with the players through launch, and throughout its post launch life as well," Hirano explained, before confirming that the release window is now set for the latter half of 2027.
The game had previously been slated for 2027 without a more specific window. Hirano closed by promising that the team is "fully committed to making 2027 a great year for Dragon Ball game fans," while admitting that the next update may take a little while.
Alongside the message, Bandai Namco also shared new details about battle customization and PvE missions, two areas that are central to how players build and use their own characters in the series.
Why Xenoverse Matters To Dragon Ball Fans
For many anime fans, the Xenoverse games are the ultimate way to live inside the world of Dragon Ball. Instead of only playing as Goku, Vegeta or Frieza, players create their own fighter, choose from races like Saiyans, Namekians and Majins, and train under famous characters to learn their signature moves. The story mode then drops that custom hero into classic arcs, letting fans witness and sometimes alter legendary moments from the series.
Xenoverse 2 launched in 2016 and kept going for years thanks to a long stream of DLC that added characters and story content from Dragon Ball Super and beyond. That long life is a big part of why expectations for the third game are so high, and why fans have been so vocal about getting it right.
Dimps, the studio behind the first two games, is back to develop the sequel. Based on the reaction to Hirano's message, most fans seem relieved that the team is willing to slow down and listen.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC in the second half of 2027.
Would you rather Xenoverse 3 keep its timed Super Saiyan forms, or should transformations last for the whole fight like before?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.