Is Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 the Best Dragon Ball Game of All Time?

For many Dragon Ball fans, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 is more than a fighting game. It is the game they remember for huge battles, a massive roster and the freedom to fly around the arena as their favorite characters.

Released in 2007 for PlayStation 2 and Wii, it remains one of the most celebrated Dragon Ball games. But is it truly the best of all time—or has a newer game taken its place?

Why fans still rate it so highly

One of Tenkaichi 3’s biggest strengths is its enormous selection of fighters. The game includes around 98 characters and 161 forms, giving players plenty of ways to recreate battles from across the Dragon Ball universe.

Its free-roaming 3D combat also captures the scale of the anime: fighters can move through large arenas, power up, transform and unleash signature attacks. The Wii version even included online play, a feature that was not available in the PlayStation 2 version.

That combination of roster size, spectacle and replay value is a major reason the game still inspires debate among fans.

Where it shows its age

Tenkaichi 3 is not perfect. Its story mode is less ambitious than some fans wanted, and its combat can become repetitive. Its original online features are also tied to the Wii version and should not be confused with modern online matchmaking.

It is also a 2007 release, so players should expect older visuals and controls rather than the presentation of a current-generation game.

How does it compare with newer Dragon Ball games?

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is the modern continuation of the Budokai Tenkaichi-style arena fighting series. It brings the format to current platforms, with updated visuals, destructible environments and a new generation of battles.

But newer does not automatically mean better for every fan. Tenkaichi 3’s roster, classic feel and nostalgia still make it a serious contender. Meanwhile, games such as Dragon Ball FighterZ offer a different kind of fighting experience, built around competitive 2D combat rather than large 3D arenas.

So the answer depends on what you value most: classic roster and nostalgia, modern presentation, or a more competitive fighting-game style.

Can you play Budokai Tenkaichi 3 on PlayStation 5?

Not natively. The original game was released for PlayStation 2 and Wii, and it is not a PS5 release. If you want a Dragon Ball arena fighter on PS5, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is the modern option.

Can you play Budokai Tenkaichi 3 on Xbox Series X or Series S?

Not as an Xbox game. Tenkaichi 3 was never released for Xbox, so Xbox Series X|S backward compatibility does not provide a way to play it.

For a current Xbox arena-fighting experience, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is available on Xbox Series X|S.

Which platforms can play the original game?

The original Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 was released for:

- PlayStation 2

- Nintendo Wii

The Wii version has motion-control options, while the PS2 version uses a traditional controller. The two versions are not identical in every feature.

Final verdict: Is it the best Dragon Ball game ever?

There is no single objective winner. But Tenkaichi 3 has a strong case: it delivered a huge roster and the kind of free-roaming battles that many fans still associate with Dragon Ball games.

If you want the classic experience, it remains a standout. If you want a modern game on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, Sparking! ZERO is the more practical choice.

FAQ

Is Budokai Tenkaichi 3 available on PS5?

No. The original game was released for PS2 and Wii, not PS5.

Is Budokai Tenkaichi 3 available on Xbox Series X|S?

No. It was not released for Xbox, so it is not playable through Xbox backward compatibility.

What is the modern successor to Budokai Tenkaichi 3?

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO continues the arena-fighting series and is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

How many characters are in Budokai Tenkaichi 3?

The game is commonly listed with 98 characters and 161 forms, including transformations.

Is Budokai Tenkaichi 3 still worth playing?

If you enjoy classic Dragon Ball battles and its large roster, yes. Just keep in mind that its graphics, controls and online features reflect its original 2007 release.