Pokémon Champions: New Battle Types, Mega Evolution, and Features Detailed for Nintendo Switch and Mobile
The Pokémon Company celebrated Pokémon Day with exciting updates on Pokémon Champions, the upcoming competitive multiplayer title slated for release in April 2026.
Announced during the latest Pokémon Presents showcase, this free-to-play game is set to launch on Nintendo Switch consoles as well as iOS and Android devices, delivering new features and cross-platform play to trainers worldwide. Expanded Battle Modes for Every Competitor According to the official Pokémon Champions website, players will have access to three main battle types at launch.
Ranked Battles enable trainers to compete globally, earning Victory Points (VP) while climbing leaderboards.
Casual Battles offer a risk-free environment for testing strategies without impacting rank, while Private Battles let friends face off in dedicated rooms.
Each mode supports both Single and Double Battle formats, expanding strategic possibilities for every player. Victory Points: Earn Your Progress Victory Points function as the core in-game currency in Pokémon Champions, allowing players to recruit and train Pokémon.
The company emphasized that VP cannot be purchased with real money—these points must be earned through gameplay, ensuring balance and a level playing field.
Engaging in Ranked Battles remains the primary source for obtaining VP, though additional methods will be introduced. Dynamic Battle Music and Iconic Pokémon Gimmicks Online battles in Champions will feature a curated mix of brand-new tracks and returning songs from previous Pokémon titles, enhancing the competitive atmosphere.
Furthermore, the game is debuting with Mega Evolution as its headline battle mechanic.
Trainers who transfer specific Pokémon such as Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, or Eternal Floette from "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" can unlock exclusive Mega Stones for use in Champions.
In a phased rollout, all major battle gimmicks—including Z-Moves, Dynamax, and Terastallization—are set to be introduced. Roster Ranch and Innovative Recruiting Pokémon Champions introduces the Roster Ranch, a new feature that refreshes its lineup of recruitable Pokémon every 22 hours.
Trainers can test one Pokémon per day with a free Trial Recruitment or commit to a Permanent Recruitment through Victory Points.
Recruitment costs will vary by Pokémon rarity; for example, Gardevoir was listed at 1,000 VP, while Whimsicott requires 2,500 VP.
In-game missions reward useful items such as Quick Coupons, which reduce wait times, and Teammate Tickets, granting immediate recruitment without VP.
A new Training Ticket item allows for Pokémon training independent of Victory Points. Special Dragonite Distribution and VGC Integration Players who log into Pokémon Champions during the initial release window will receive a special Dragonite, though further details will be revealed closer to launch.
Notably, Pokémon Champions will serve as the official platform for the Video Game Championships (VGC) at the Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco later this year, continuing the tradition of dynamic regulations for tournament play. With its blend of time-tested mechanics, enhanced features, and cross-platform accessibility, Pokémon Champions positions itself as a landmark addition to the franchise’s competitive scene.
Fans can anticipate a robust launch complete with free-to-play access and optional Battle Passes, further expanding the reach of Pokémon multiplayer on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.
Announced during the latest Pokémon Presents showcase, this free-to-play game is set to launch on Nintendo Switch consoles as well as iOS and Android devices, delivering new features and cross-platform play to trainers worldwide. Expanded Battle Modes for Every Competitor According to the official Pokémon Champions website, players will have access to three main battle types at launch.
Ranked Battles enable trainers to compete globally, earning Victory Points (VP) while climbing leaderboards.
Casual Battles offer a risk-free environment for testing strategies without impacting rank, while Private Battles let friends face off in dedicated rooms.
Each mode supports both Single and Double Battle formats, expanding strategic possibilities for every player. Victory Points: Earn Your Progress Victory Points function as the core in-game currency in Pokémon Champions, allowing players to recruit and train Pokémon.
The company emphasized that VP cannot be purchased with real money—these points must be earned through gameplay, ensuring balance and a level playing field.
Engaging in Ranked Battles remains the primary source for obtaining VP, though additional methods will be introduced. Dynamic Battle Music and Iconic Pokémon Gimmicks Online battles in Champions will feature a curated mix of brand-new tracks and returning songs from previous Pokémon titles, enhancing the competitive atmosphere.
Furthermore, the game is debuting with Mega Evolution as its headline battle mechanic.
Trainers who transfer specific Pokémon such as Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, or Eternal Floette from "Pokémon Legends: Z-A" can unlock exclusive Mega Stones for use in Champions.
In a phased rollout, all major battle gimmicks—including Z-Moves, Dynamax, and Terastallization—are set to be introduced. Roster Ranch and Innovative Recruiting Pokémon Champions introduces the Roster Ranch, a new feature that refreshes its lineup of recruitable Pokémon every 22 hours.
Trainers can test one Pokémon per day with a free Trial Recruitment or commit to a Permanent Recruitment through Victory Points.
Recruitment costs will vary by Pokémon rarity; for example, Gardevoir was listed at 1,000 VP, while Whimsicott requires 2,500 VP.
In-game missions reward useful items such as Quick Coupons, which reduce wait times, and Teammate Tickets, granting immediate recruitment without VP.
A new Training Ticket item allows for Pokémon training independent of Victory Points. Special Dragonite Distribution and VGC Integration Players who log into Pokémon Champions during the initial release window will receive a special Dragonite, though further details will be revealed closer to launch.
Notably, Pokémon Champions will serve as the official platform for the Video Game Championships (VGC) at the Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco later this year, continuing the tradition of dynamic regulations for tournament play. With its blend of time-tested mechanics, enhanced features, and cross-platform accessibility, Pokémon Champions positions itself as a landmark addition to the franchise’s competitive scene.
Fans can anticipate a robust launch complete with free-to-play access and optional Battle Passes, further expanding the reach of Pokémon multiplayer on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.
