Pokémon Champions Announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Set as Main Title at 2026 World Championships

Nintendo has officially unveiled Pokémon Champions, the latest title in The Pokémon Company’s acclaimed franchise, confirming its release for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 as well as for the original Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android platforms.

The announcement marks a significant new chapter for the series and underscores Nintendo’s dedication to keeping the competitive Pokémon scene fresh and accessible across platforms.

According to an official press release, Pokémon Champions will take center stage as the main competition game at the Pokémon World Championships in 2026, which are scheduled to be held in San Francisco.

This installment will succeed Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as the flagship game for the event, providing a new competitive landscape for players around the world.

Notably, the 2026 format will introduce Mega Evolutions to the Championship battles for the first time, adding an exciting layer of strategy previously unseen at the event. Pokémon Champions has been described as a "free-to-start" release, with additional paid content and digital options to be detailed in the coming months.

This approach follows Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s ongoing efforts to make the competitive scene as inclusive and widespread as possible.

The game’s official website has provided further insights, confirming that Pokémon Champions will support cross-play, allowing players on Nintendo Switch (both original and Switch 2) to compete alongside those on mobile devices.

In addition, compatibility with Pokémon Home means trainers can bring their collections from past games into Champions, ensuring continuity and community engagement for longtime fans. Announced earlier this year, Pokémon Champions represents a return to pure Pokémon battling reminiscent of the Nintendo 64’s Pokémon Stadium and the Wii’s Pokémon Battle Revolution, diverging from the narrative-focused style of the mainline series.

The title focuses exclusively on competitive battles, streamlining gameplay for dedicated competitive fans and esports events. Pokémon Champions is scheduled for release in 2026 across Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, and Android devices.

Further details regarding pricing, additional features, and the digital versions are expected as the launch approaches.

The announcement reinforces Nintendo’s strong relationship with the competitive Pokémon community and highlights its continued support for cross-platform gaming and esports.

With the Pokémon World Championships in 2026 switching to Pokémon Champions as the headline title and introducing new gameplay mechanics, fans worldwide are eager to see how this innovation will shape the future of competitive Pokémon gaming.

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