Pokémon battles are accelerating to a new level! Announced during the Pokémon Presents broadcast on February 27, 2026, celebrating the franchise's 30th anniversary, Pokémon Champions has once again revealed concrete details about its release. This spin-off, developed by The Pokémon Company, focuses entirely on strategic trainer battles and is scheduled to arrive in April 2026 on Nintendo Switch. It will later be released on iOS and Android. Designed as a competitive platform aimed at the esports scene, the game aspires to become the new standard for official Pokémon battles.
Presented through a new trailer, Pokémon Champions takes a bold step by dropping exploration, capturing, and story elements to focus solely on training and battles. Classic mechanics—such as types, abilities, and traits—remain at the core of the experience, with options to unleash Mega Evolution or Tera Crystalization during fights. The goal: craft a strategic environment that’s easy for newcomers to grasp but challenging enough to satisfy seasoned competitors. The overall vibe echoes the spirit of Pokémon Stadium, refreshed and adapted for online multiplayer across the globe.
Three combat modes are available, playable solo or in pairs:
A trial recruitment system allows players to temporarily test out certain Pokémon. These Pokémon can then be permanently unlocked using Victory Points (VP), earned through ranked battles and other competitive modes, which can also be used to enhance their stats.
The release of Pokémon Champions on Nintendo Switch is scheduled for April 2026, although a specific date has yet to be announced. The mobile version for iOS and Android is also in the works and is expected to launch later in the year. Offering the game on both console and mobile platforms aims to broaden the competitive scene, making it accessible to a wider audience and establishing Pokémon Champions as the new standard for official tournaments. This comes just a few months ahead of the World Championships, set to take place in August 2026 in San Francisco.
Launch festivities will include several bonuses: a Dracolosse will be gifted to players who download the game early on Switch, and a special campaign will allow players to earn Mega-Gems, which can also be used in Legends Pokémon Z-A. Compatibility with Pokémon Home will also be supported, enabling players to transfer certain creatures from Pokémon Sword, Shield, Shining Diamond, Legends Pokémon: Arceus, as well as Scarlet or Violet.
At launch, the roster of available Pokémon will be limited, hinting at upcoming updates to expand the lineup. With this title solely focused on battles, the franchise is turning its core gameplay into a standalone, competitive experience—marking a new chapter in its ongoing evolution.
At the time of release, Pokémon Champions will only offer a limited number of creatures, so we're looking forward to future updates that will gradually expand our possibilities.
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