Pokémon Champions Sets April Release for Nintendo Switch, Mobile Version Coming This Summer
During the latest Pokémon Presents broadcast, The Pokémon Company officially revealed the launch window for Pokémon Champions, confirming that the highly anticipated battle-focused title will debut on Nintendo Switch in April 2024.
A mobile version of the game is scheduled to follow later in the summer, expanding the experience to even more fans around the world. Background: Pokémon Champions was first announced exactly a year prior at a similar Pokémon Presents event, sparking significant interest among competitive and casual players alike.
Developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Champions promises to deliver a comprehensive battle simulator that leverages decades of Pokémon expertise while introducing modern features for seasoned trainers and newcomers. Key Features and Competitive Focus Pokémon Champions centers on multiplayer battles, including both single and double battle formats, and will play a vital role as the official game used in the Pokémon World Championships starting in 2026.
Players will engage in strategic battles utilizing mechanics familiar from prior mainline titles, such as Pokémon types, unique Abilities, and an array of moves.
Mega-Evolved Pokémon, such as the powerful Mega Dragonite, are confirmed to appear, offering expanded tactical options for competitive play. Players can choose among three battle modes: Ranked Battles, where they compete against global opponents to climb the leaderboards; Casual Battles, for quick and friendly matches; and Private Battles, which allow friends and family to face off in custom contests.
These options ensure a tailored experience for players of all skill levels. Recruitment and Training Mechanics Pokémon Champions introduces a unique recruitment system.
Once per day, users may recruit Pokémon on a trial basis, allowing them to test prospective team members in battle scenarios before making a permanent commitment.
Once a suitable partner is found, players can utilize in-game Victory Points (VP) to secure Pokémon for their teams.
VP can also be allocated to train existing Pokémon, honing individual stats such as Attack and Defense, and even modifying specific Abilities and moves.
This layer of customization supports a deep and adaptive metagame for competitive trainers. Pokémon Home Compatibility for Expanded Teams A standout feature of Pokémon Champions is its compatibility with Pokémon Home, the long-standing cloud service for Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms.
This integration allows players to transfer select Pokémon from prior mainline games and Pokémon GO into Champions, expanding roster possibilities and rewarding longtime fans who have built collections across generations.
The game will be compatible with both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 systems. Looking Ahead The announcement of Pokémon Champions' April launch marks a significant milestone for both The Pokémon Company and Switch fans eager for a fresh competitive experience.
As the official competitive platform for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, its release is set to shape the next era of Pokémon esports.
For further updates on Pokémon Champions, or to watch the opening movie revealed during Pokémon Presents, visit the official Pokémon website or follow Nintendo’s digital channels.
A mobile version of the game is scheduled to follow later in the summer, expanding the experience to even more fans around the world. Background: Pokémon Champions was first announced exactly a year prior at a similar Pokémon Presents event, sparking significant interest among competitive and casual players alike.
Developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Champions promises to deliver a comprehensive battle simulator that leverages decades of Pokémon expertise while introducing modern features for seasoned trainers and newcomers. Key Features and Competitive Focus Pokémon Champions centers on multiplayer battles, including both single and double battle formats, and will play a vital role as the official game used in the Pokémon World Championships starting in 2026.
Players will engage in strategic battles utilizing mechanics familiar from prior mainline titles, such as Pokémon types, unique Abilities, and an array of moves.
Mega-Evolved Pokémon, such as the powerful Mega Dragonite, are confirmed to appear, offering expanded tactical options for competitive play. Players can choose among three battle modes: Ranked Battles, where they compete against global opponents to climb the leaderboards; Casual Battles, for quick and friendly matches; and Private Battles, which allow friends and family to face off in custom contests.
These options ensure a tailored experience for players of all skill levels. Recruitment and Training Mechanics Pokémon Champions introduces a unique recruitment system.
Once per day, users may recruit Pokémon on a trial basis, allowing them to test prospective team members in battle scenarios before making a permanent commitment.
Once a suitable partner is found, players can utilize in-game Victory Points (VP) to secure Pokémon for their teams.
VP can also be allocated to train existing Pokémon, honing individual stats such as Attack and Defense, and even modifying specific Abilities and moves.
This layer of customization supports a deep and adaptive metagame for competitive trainers. Pokémon Home Compatibility for Expanded Teams A standout feature of Pokémon Champions is its compatibility with Pokémon Home, the long-standing cloud service for Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms.
This integration allows players to transfer select Pokémon from prior mainline games and Pokémon GO into Champions, expanding roster possibilities and rewarding longtime fans who have built collections across generations.
The game will be compatible with both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 systems. Looking Ahead The announcement of Pokémon Champions' April launch marks a significant milestone for both The Pokémon Company and Switch fans eager for a fresh competitive experience.
As the official competitive platform for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, its release is set to shape the next era of Pokémon esports.
For further updates on Pokémon Champions, or to watch the opening movie revealed during Pokémon Presents, visit the official Pokémon website or follow Nintendo’s digital channels.
