Is Goku in Nintendo? A Deep Dive into the Saiyan’s Presence on Nintendo Platforms

Yes, Goku is indeed present on Nintendo platforms, but not in every form fans might expect. The main protagonist of the Dragon Ball franchise, known for his insatiable appetite for both food and combat, has appeared in several Dragon Ball games available on Nintendo consoles, most notably on the Nintendo Switch. However, he is not a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. series, a fact that often disappoints fans but has a specific reason behind it. Let’s explore the details of Goku’s Nintendo presence and address some frequently asked questions.

Goku’s Appearances on Nintendo Consoles

Goku has been a staple character in many Dragon Ball video games released across various Nintendo consoles, from the classic Game Boy Advance to the current Nintendo Switch. Some notable appearances include:

Dragon Ball FighterZ (Nintendo Switch): This critically acclaimed 2.5D fighting game features stunning visuals and a roster packed with Dragon Ball characters, including various forms of Goku, most notably Goku (Ultra Instinct).
DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT + A NEW POWER AWAKENS SET (Nintendo Switch): This action RPG allows players to experience the story of Dragon Ball Z from the Saiyan Saga through the Buu Saga, with Goku as the central character. The “A New Power Awakens” set includes storylines from Dragon Ball Super.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse series (Nintendo Switch & other platforms): While not solely focused on Goku, these games allow players to interact with and even fight alongside Goku in an altered Dragon Ball timeline.

These are just a few examples, and Goku has starred in or been a significant character in several other Dragon Ball titles on Nintendo platforms throughout the years.

Why Isn’t Goku in Super Smash Bros.?

This is a burning question for many fans. The lack of Goku in the Super Smash Bros. franchise is a deliberate choice made by the series creator, Masahiro Sakurai. His reasoning is that Super Smash Bros. is intended as a celebration of video game characters originating from video games. Since Goku’s primary origin is manga (and subsequently anime), he doesn’t fit the criteria for inclusion.

While there are characters who originated in arcades and then branched into other media, the core focus remains on characters whose roots are firmly planted in video games. Despite the immense popularity of Dragon Ball games, Goku’s initial conception as a manga character places him outside the selection scope for Super Smash Bros.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Goku and the Dragon Ball franchise, providing more context and information for fans:

1. What is Goku’s full name?

Goku’s full name is Son Goku (孫そん悟ご空くう , Son Gokū). He was born Kakarot (カカロット, Kakarotto) on Planet Vegeta before being sent to Earth.

2. What does Goku mean in Japanese?

The kanji for Goku’s name, 悟空, has multiple interpretations. 悟 (go) can mean “perceiving,” “seeing,” or “understanding,” while 空 (ku) can mean “sky,” “void,” or “empty.” Combined, they can suggest ideas like “perceiving the void.”

3. Who is Goku’s brother?

Goku has two brothers: Raditz, who appeared early in Dragon Ball Z as a major threat, and a less-known brother (mentioned in some non-canon materials). Raditz is the more prominent sibling in the Dragon Ball canon.

4. Is Goten stronger than Goku?

At various points in the series, Goten has shown immense potential. He was able to master the Super Saiyan transformation at a very young age, similar to his father. However, Goku consistently surpasses Goten through continuous training and mastering new transformations, like Super Saiyan God, Super Saiyan Blue, and Ultra Instinct.

5. Why is Chi-Chi called “milk”?

Chi-Chi’s name literally means “milk” in Japanese. It’s a simple and potentially humorous name choice. On the other hand, Goku’s Saiyan name, Kakarot, is a play on the word “carrot.”

6. Why did Goku name his son Gohan?

Goku named his son Gohan after his adoptive grandfather, Grandpa Gohan, who raised him on Earth.

7. Why wasn’t Goku evil as a child?

While Goku was sent to Earth to destroy it, a head injury as a child altered his programming. His innate Saiyan tendencies were suppressed, allowing his natural goodness to shine through, leading him to become a protector of Earth instead. His friendliness is also argued by some to be a side-effect of his quest to be the best, as helping others benefits him in the long run.

8. Why can’t Goku become a god?

Goku has been offered opportunities to become a god or angel-like figure, but he has always refused. He believes he would be too bored as a deity and prefers the challenge of constantly fighting and improving.

9. Why doesn’t Goku fly all the time?

Goku learned to fly early in Dragon Ball Z. However, flying consumes ki (energy). Initially, characters with lower power levels found that flying drained their energy reserves too quickly during a fight, making it more efficient to fight on the ground.

10. What comes first: Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z?

Dragon Ball comes before Dragon Ball Z. Dragon Ball follows Goku’s childhood and early adventures, while Dragon Ball Z focuses on his adult life and battles against stronger foes.

11. Will Dragon Ball Super get a game?

The DRAGON BALL SUPER CARD GAME is launching a new title called “FUSION WORLD” on both physical and digital platforms in 2024.

12. Who married Goku?

Goku is married to Chi-Chi.

13. Why did Chi-Chi marry Goku?

When they were children, Goku didn’t understand the concept of marriage and thought it was a type of food. He promised to marry Chi-Chi, and she held him to that promise when they were older. Goku’s naivety led to an unexpected commitment.

14. How tall is Goku?

Goku is approximately 5’9″ (175 cm) in his normal form.

15. Can Gohan surpass Goku?

According to Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball franchise, Gohan has the potential to surpass Goku and is currently the strongest Z fighter even stronger than UI Goku and Ultra Ego Vegeta.

Conclusion: Goku’s Enduring Legacy on Nintendo and Beyond

While Goku may not be punching his way through the Super Smash Bros. arena anytime soon, he remains a significant presence on Nintendo consoles. His adventures, battles, and constant pursuit of greater power continue to captivate fans across various Dragon Ball games. The story of Goku and the Dragon Ball universe resonate with audiences due to its themes of perseverance, friendship, and the constant striving for self-improvement. This is a testament to the enduring power of games and media in shaping narratives and creating engaging learning environments. To learn more about the intersection of games and education, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

The debates about character strength, potential, and game inclusion highlight the passionate fanbase that surrounds the Dragon Ball franchise, ensuring Goku’s legacy will continue to thrive on Nintendo platforms and beyond.