Pokémon Champions Release Date Announced: Nintendo Switch Launch Set for April 2026

The Pokémon Company has officially unveiled the release window for its highly anticipated title, Pokémon Champions.

Originally teased in the summer of 2023, Pokémon Champions made headlines for bringing a fresh multiplayer strategy experience to the Pokémon franchise.

The game is being developed by The Pokémon Works, a newly formed subsidiary under The Pokémon Company, with a clear focus on expanding the brand into new genres and platforms. According to the announcement during the latest Pokémon Presents showcase, Pokémon Champions is scheduled to launch on the Nintendo Switch in April 2026.

This marks the console debut for the strategy spin-off, which will subsequently roll out to iOS and Android platforms later the same year.

No exact dates have been confirmed for the mobile releases, but the staggered launch ensures dedicated support and optimization across the various hardware platforms. Pokémon Champions stands out as the first major project from The Pokémon Works, an internal studio established to diversify the Pokémon game portfolio.

By targeting both traditional and mobile gaming audiences, the developer aims to leverage the immense popularity of their core series titles while reaching new fans through accessible, cross-platform multiplayer experiences. "We are committed to delivering a strategy experience tailored for Pokémon fans around the world, whether they play on Nintendo Switch or mobile devices," stated representatives for The Pokémon Company during the announcement.

The new trailer, showcased during Pokémon Presents, revealed updated gameplay footage and reiterated the game's focus on strategic multiplayer battles, featuring familiar Pokémon alongside a host of new customization options. The Nintendo Switch launch of Pokémon Champions will make the game available on both the traditional eShop and physical retail formats, mirroring the platform’s standard distribution practices.

This strategic deployment follows Nintendo’s ongoing push to support a diverse catalog for its flagship console and nurture long-term engagement within the Pokémon community. Pokémon Champions is being positioned as a significant addition to the series’ catalog, complementing existing hits such as Pokémon Unite and Pokémon Masters EX, both of which have enjoyed consistent success across their respective platforms.

The announcement also underscores The Pokémon Company’s commitment to supporting the Nintendo Switch while continuing to invest in mobile game development—a strategy that aligns with the continued growth of the global mobile gaming market. Stay tuned for further updates on Pokémon Champions as The Pokémon Company prepares the title for its 2026 Nintendo Switch debut and forthcoming iOS and Android releases later that year.