TheDragon Ballfranchise has spanned over three decades, producing countless video games for fans to enjoy. But not all these titles have stood the test of time in terms of accessibility. Some are lost to history, unavailable on any digital storefronts or fromBandai Namcoitself.
Yes, dedicated fans can still hunt down physical copies or resort to emulators—but that’s not what this list is about. Instead, we’re here to celebrate those elusiveDBZexperiences that deserve a second chance through remasters or remakes (if we’re lucky). Until that day, all we can do is reminisce about better times and the unforgettable experiences these titles provided.
As the name suggests,Dragon Ball Z: For Kinectwas developed exclusively for the Xbox 360’s Kinect. Strangely, it never saw a release in Japan, although it curiously features a Japanese language option.
The gameplay involves players mimicking on-screen figures, with their character executing those moves afterward. The concept was aspeculiar as it sounds, resulting in mixed reviews upon release. However, over time, the game has become a rare collector’s item, fetching steep prices on secondhand markets. Unlike some other Kinect titles that have seen re-releases that drop the gimmick entirely, this game hasn’t been granted the same luxury, making it a quirky relic of its era.
Dragon Ball Onlinewas anambitious MMORPGthat only saw the light of day in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Despite a warm reception in those regions, the game’s servers were shut down by 2013. Interestingly,Dragon Ball Xenoverselater borrowed heavily fromDBO, incorporating story elements, assets, and the same core game engine.
Set 216 years after the Buu Saga, the game depicted a world without Goku and introduced the franchise’s first-ever character customization. Players could choose from three races: Earthlings, Namekians, or Majin. Despite its closure,Dragon Ball Onlineremains beloved, with emulators and fan-driven projects keeping its legacy alive for dedicated players.
TheDragon Ballfranchise naturally thrives in thefighting game genre, andSuper Butōden 3is no exception. While its predecessors received limited pre-order bonus re-releases in 2015 and 2018, the third installment never received the same treatment, making it harder to come by for modern players.
Released for the SNES in 1994,Super Butōden 3never made its way to the US. At the time,Dragon Ball Zhad yet to receive its English dub (which wouldn’t air until 1996), limiting its exposure in Western markets. Despite this, the game found success in Japan and Europe, where Dragon Ball had already gained a dedicated following. Fans today still long for a proper re-release of this well-received classic.
Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimensionserved as a spiritual successor to the highly popularSuper Butōdenseries. As the final full-fledgedDBZfighting game for the SNES, it holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of fans. Unfortunately for American audiences, it was never officially released outside Japan and Europe, making it a rare treasure for collectors.
For its time,Hyper Dimensionwas praised for its impressive graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and responsive controls. However, European players were left disappointed by the removal of thestory mode. Despite this omission, the game remains a beloved entry in theDBZfranchise.
Dragon Ball Z: The Legend(also known asDragon Ball Z: Idainaru Dragon Ball Densetsu) is a 1996 fighting game released for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. It was the firstDBZtitle to experiment with three-dimensional fighting environments, featuring 2D sprites against dynamic 3D backdrops.
The game earned widespread acclaim from critics and fans for its ambitious gameplay and extensive character roster, cementing its place as a standout in the vastDBZgaming catalog. And for those on the hunt for a copy, take note: theSega Saturnversion is widely considered superior for its smoother performance and enhanced visuals.
Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriorsmay be long forgotten by some, but it remains a beloved entry in the sprawlingDBZgaming universe. Like many titles before and after it, the game retells the saga from Raditz to Majin Buu. However, it sets itself apart by transforming the iconic battles into a surprisingly effectivePokémon-esque turn-based fighting system.
Released for theGame Boy Colorin 2002, the game has sparked nostalgia among fans who are now clamoring for a remake or at least a rerelease on Nintendo Switch Online. Until then, prowling eBay for a copy is their only option.
What was intended to be theSuper Smash Bros.of Shonen anime,Jump Forcebrought iconic characters like Goku, Luffy, and Naruto together for epic 1-v-1 battles. The initial announcement had fans hyped at the prospect of settling their dream matchups—although the game would never satisfy the heated debates on r/PowerScaling.
Despite letting players live out their anime fantasies,Jump Forcestumbled in sales, leading Bandai Namco todelist the gamejust three years after its release in 2022. The shutdown of ranked online matches soon followed, leaving only physical copies for those lucky enough to snag one.
