A new era for Dragon Ball gaming has been unveiled, with Dimps and Bandai Namco confirming the long-awaited arrival of “Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3” in 2027. This announcement marks the end of a decade-long wait for fans, as the franchise gears up for a fresh chapter that also pays tribute to its legendary creator, Akira Toriyama.

Upcoming Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 to Launch in 2027, Featuring Toriyama's Final Creative Touches

The gaming world buzzed with excitement this past weekend at the Dragon Ball Games Battle Hour 2026, held in Los Angeles. During the event, game developers Dimps and publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment officially announced “Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3,” confirming its release for next year. This revelation ends a significant hiatus since the last installment in the popular series.

Earlier in the year, the developers had subtly hinted at the game's existence under the codename “Age 1000” project. This moniker alludes to the game’s narrative setting, which unfolds a millennium after the beloved Dragon Ball sagas. A new trailer, unveiled at the Battle Hour, offered a glimpse into this future, showcasing a reimagined, aged version of the iconic character Bulma, alongside the introduction of a brand-new character named Brett.

Following the trailer, a brief panel discussion provided further insights, revealing new male and female player character designs, meticulously crafted by none other than Akira Toriyama. Developers emphasized Toriyama's profound creative input into the game's universe and character aesthetics. Given Toriyama’s passing in March 2024, “Xenoverse 3” is poised to be one of the final video games to showcase his unparalleled artistic vision.

The confirmation of “Age 1000” as “Xenoverse 3” came as a pleasant surprise to many, especially considering the long gap since “Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2,” which launched in October 2016. Despite the lack of new main entries, “Xenoverse 2” received extensive post-launch support, leading some to believe Bandai Namco had shifted its focus to other titles like “Dragon Ball FighterZ” and “Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero.” However, the unique “Age 1000” setting evidently necessitated a full-fledged sequel. As “Xenoverse 2” concludes its journey with the final DLC, Future Saga Chapter 4, this summer, attention will fully shift to the upcoming installment.

“Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3” is scheduled for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X in 2027. Fans are hopeful that this new chapter will not only live up to expectations but also mark a renewed commitment to the series without another extended break.

The announcement of “Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3” not only excites fans of the franchise but also serves as a poignant reminder of Akira Toriyama's enduring legacy. His final creative contributions to this game underscore the lasting impact he had on the world of anime and gaming. This upcoming release offers more than just a new adventure; it presents an opportunity for players to immerse themselves one last time in a universe shaped by his extraordinary imagination, urging us to appreciate the artistic genius that defined an era.