Super Saiyan 3 is in — but it comes with a timer
Bandai Namco’s recent Xenoverse 3 showcase confirmed something fans have been begging for: Super Saiyan 3 will be playable if you roll a Saiyan from Kakarot’s lineage. Sounds glorious — long hair, massive power spikes, the whole dramatic entrance.
There’s a twist, though. Instead of staying transformed as long as your Ki holds up, SS3 appears to be a temporary “burst” state with a strict time limit. That means you’ll get a short, intense window to dish out damage and set up combos, then poof — back to base form.
Why players are annoyed — and what it could mean for gameplay
People expected the classic keep-boost-until-you-run-out model (think older DB fighters). Locking SS3 behind a timer feels like turning an iconic form into a power-up you pop like an energy drink. It’s an understandable balance choice, but it also cramps the fantasy of “going full SS3” for dramatic fights.
On the plus side, a limited form forces smarter play: timing, combo setups, and maximizing burst windows will matter more. It could make matches feel more tactical — or just annoying if it interrupts your epic, drawn-out moments.
Also worth noting: Akira Toriyama-designed characters will rock the SS3 look, which is a neat visual win even if the mechanic is controversial.
Developers are keeping specific gameplay footage under wraps for now. There are reports and community teasers suggesting the demo tour might show SS3 in action soon, but treat that as unconfirmed for the moment.
Finally, Xenoverse 3 is slated for 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC. Whether the timer becomes a beloved strategic quirk or a widely disliked limitation will likely depend on how it plays in hands-on demos and the feedback Bandai Namco hears from the community.
