Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Saros review
  • Arc Raiders
  • The Boys S5
  • Best turn-based RPGs
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
  • Delta Force giveaway
Don't miss these
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 screenshot showing two player characters
Fighting Games The new Dragon Ball game that everyone thought was Xenoverse 3 has finally been confirmed as Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
Cloud and Tifa in Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
Fighting Games Final Fantasy 7 icon Tifa is rumored to join Street Fighter 6, stealing Tekken fans' most-requested guest fighter
Five different gaming controllers for PC scattered around a desktop surface
Gaming Controllers The best PC controller for gaming 2026
A collection of TMR gaming controllers
Gaming Controllers I've tested them for you, and these are the 7 best TMR controllers on the shelves right now
Grandpa Gohan in Sparking Zero
Fighting Games Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's next DLC will add over 30 characters, including the biggest omissions from the roster
Nintendo Switch 2 playing Donkey Kong Bananza with Pro Controller to the left
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch 2 controller 2026: Compatible gamepads road tested with Ninty's new handheld
Alone in the Dark creator Frédérick Raynal holding POPCORN DUEL paddle controller with Sega Genesis 2, CRT TV, and Mr. Popcorn figure in backdrop.
Retro Alone in the Dark creator is remaking a DOS game for Sega Genesis with its own paddle controllers
Xbox Elite Series 2 controller
Gaming Controllers The best Xbox Series X controller in 2026
Close up on swappable buttons on EasySMX M20 face buttons
Gaming Controllers This mobile controller has fixed a 24 year gripe in one simple solution
DualSense Edge review image showing the controller next to the original DualSense in Nova Pink
Gaming Controllers The best PS5 controller 2026: Find your Edge
A side-by-side image of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro and the Asus ROG Raikiri 2
Gaming Controllers These are the fastest two Xbox controllers on the shelves right now, but which should you buy?
Tekken 8 screenshot
Fighting Games The 25 best fighting games you can play right now in 2026
Someone using the Steam controller to play Hollow Knight
Gaming Controllers A leaked Steam Controller review claims Valve will charge you $99 for it - is that too much?
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Gaming Controllers The best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2026
A side by side of the Steam Controller with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K
Gaming Controllers The Steam Controller doesn't appear to be a hit for competitive play, so here are the best alternatives
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Fighting Games
  3. Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero

As Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's classic-style quick-time events are teased, fighting game fans fear for their controllers: "DualSenses are like 70 bucks I need y'all to chill"

News
By Catherine Lewis published 4 July 2024

You might want to get a cheaper controller before playing this

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

A screenshot from Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero.
(Image credit: Spike Chunsoft)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

It looks like fighting game fans might want to invest in a spare controller or two, because Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is set to bring back the controller-destroying quick-time events that veteran Budokai Tenkaichi fans will remember well, including the notorious stick-spinning one that's already got many concerned about potential drifting issues. 

We already knew that Clashes were coming back in Sparking! Zero. Historically, they've seen players compete in high-pressure QTEs when two powerful moves collide, with whoever does it best landing the attack on their opponent. If you're really good at mashing buttons or rapidly rotating your analog stick, you'll no doubt be great at these, but pulling them off with any kind of gusto means that your controller is inevitably going to take quite a beating. 

Thanks to an official beginner's guide to Sparking! Zero posted by Bandai Namco, we can see in a screenshot that stick rotation QTEs appear to be back in the upcoming installment, and fans are already concerned about what's going to happen to their controllers. "DualSenses are like 70 bucks I need y'all to chill," one writes on Twitter. "I'm losing every single clash for the sake of my controllers," says another.

Article continues below
You may like
  • Grandpa Gohan in Sparking Zero Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's next DLC will add over 30 characters, including the biggest omissions from the roster
  • A hero image for the GameSir Cyclone 4 GameSir teases a controller with four back buttons and up to 40kgs of adjustable stick tension
  • Close up of custom Sonic 2 Spin Dash controller on left with LCD screen meter at max and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 gameplay in emulator window on right. I can't decide if this custom Sonic 2 controller with spin dash force feedback is genius or Eggman-levels of ridiculous

SPARKING ZERO BRINGS BACK THE CLASSIC STICK ROTATION FOR CLASHES RIP CONTROLLERS 😭💀 pic.twitter.com/fuu9JV5rfUJuly 3, 2024

If you're worried about stick drift, though, it seems like this particular QTE might not be a requirement for all players if you don't want it to be. In the same guide, Sparking! Zero's publisher discusses the game's two control schemes – Standard and Classic – the latter of which "enables you to enjoy similar controls to those of the previous Budokai Tenkaichi games," while the former consists of the actual "recommended controls." 

As well as differences in the controls themselves, Bandai Namco writes: "This change in controls will also affect the QTE sequences controls." In a screenshot below this, the stick rotation QTE is shown under the 'Classic' label, whereas the 'Standard' one appears to be a button-pressing one. This seems to confirm that you'll only have to spin the stick if you opt for those classic controls, hopefully providing a way to preserve your poor controllers without outright throwing matches. 

Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is delightfully unbalanced and "definitely not an esports game," so the devs had to find a unique approach to ranked online.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
PC Gaming PS5 Xbox Series X Platforms PlayStation Xbox
Catherine Lewis
Catherine Lewis
Social Links Navigation
Deputy News Editor

I'm GamesRadar+'s Deputy News Editor, working alongside the rest of the news team to deliver cool gaming stories that we love. After spending more hours than I can count filling The University of Sheffield's student newspaper with Pokemon and indie game content, and picking up a degree in Journalism Studies, I started my career at GAMINGbible where I worked as a journalist for over a year and a half. I then became TechRadar Gaming's news writer, where I sourced stories and wrote about all sorts of intriguing topics. In my spare time, you're sure to find me on my Nintendo Switch or PS5 playing through story-driven RPGs like Xenoblade Chronicles and Persona 5 Royal, nuzlocking old Pokemon games, or going for a Victory Royale in Fortnite.

Read more
Grandpa Gohan in Sparking Zero
Fighting Games Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's next DLC will add over 30 characters, including the biggest omissions from the roster
 
 
A hero image for the GameSir Cyclone 4
Gaming Controllers GameSir teases a controller with four back buttons and up to 40kgs of adjustable stick tension
 
 
Close up of custom Sonic 2 Spin Dash controller on left with LCD screen meter at max and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 gameplay in emulator window on right.
Retro I can't decide if this custom Sonic 2 controller with spin dash force feedback is genius or Eggman-levels of ridiculous
 
 
A patented Sony controller design next to the PS5's DualSense controller
Gaming Controllers The PS6 controller might not even have buttons on it as a new patent hints Sony is going all-in on haptic feedback
 
 
An image of the heart rate monitor on the Anbernic RG G01 controller next to the sweatlord gamer meme
Gaming Controllers Sweatlord gamers, listen up: this new controller tracks your heart rate as you play
 
 
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 screenshot showing two player characters
Fighting Games The new Dragon Ball game that everyone thought was Xenoverse 3 has finally been confirmed as Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
 
 
Latest in Fighting Games
A Roblox version of Battle Beast from Invincible Showdown.
Fighting Games Invincible Showdown codes (April 2026) for free Cash
 
 
Cloud and Tifa in Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
Fighting Games Final Fantasy 7 icon Tifa is rumored to join Street Fighter 6, stealing Tekken fans' most-requested guest fighter
 
 
Grandpa Gohan in Sparking Zero
Fighting Games Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero's next DLC will add over 30 characters, including the biggest omissions from the roster
 
 
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 screenshot showing two player characters
Fighting Games The new Dragon Ball game that everyone thought was Xenoverse 3 has finally been confirmed as Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
 
 
Alex art in Street Fighter 6
Fighting Games Capcom attempts to patch Street Fighter 6's controversial incest storyline, but it's really not any better
 
 
Two players battle on a snowy arena in Dueling Grounds.
Fighting Games Dueling Grounds codes (April 2026) for Coins and Gems
 
 
Latest in News
Gabe Newell talking to the angel on his shoulder
Hardware Valve's Gabe Newell saw today's consoles coming: "The consoles are using PC graphics hardware now"
 
 
Slay the Spire 2 Defect robot standing in front of other classes
Roguelike Games Slay the Spire 2 devs initially wanted to keep updating the original instead of making a sequel
 
 
Monoco readies for battle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 actor was "nervous" for Metacritic score after appearing in Gollum game
 
 
Screenshot from Windrose, showing a pirate aiming down the sights of her rifle while standing in front of tropical trees.
Open World Games Windrose players are getting destroyed by alpha wolves, but they've come up with a plan
 
 
The Blood of Dawnwalker screenshot
RPGs The Blood of Dawnwalker release date has been set for September 2026
 
 
Horror Movies Director of A24's Texas Chainsaw Massacre says the franchise "went the opposite direction it should have gone"
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Slay the Spire 2 Defect robot standing in front of other classes
    1
    Slay the Spire 2 devs wanted to keep updating the original instead of making a sequel, but then their publisher shut down: "I guess we were a little naive"
  2. 2
    Windrose players are getting destroyed by alpha wolves, so like all survival game experts, they've come up with a plan: "Walking on the ground is for suckers"
  3. 3
    With The Blood of Dawnwalker release date locked in for September, the countdown is officially on for the new vampire RPG from The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 veterans
  4. 4
    After seeing new Blood of Dawnwalker gameplay, here's 5 ways that it's becoming my most anticipated RPGs of 2026
  5. 5
    PlayStation triggers game preservation alarm bells as users find new PS5 and PS4 digital purchases have a 30-day lockout timer: "This can screw customers now AND in the future"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...