Pokémon Champions Announced as Official VGC Platform for 2026 World Championships on Nintendo Switch 2

The Pokémon Company International has officially confirmed that Pokémon Champions will be the designated platform for the Video Game Championships (VGC) at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, set to be held in San Francisco.

Scheduled to launch globally in 2026, Pokémon Champions will be available as a free-to-start title on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android devices, further expanding the Pokémon battles experience to a new era of hardware and platforms. Pokémon Champions is designed to bring together the iconic and strategic gameplay elements the franchise has cultivated for decades.

At launch, players can look forward to engaging in Ranked Battles featuring Mega Evolution, an advanced battle mechanic last celebrated in earlier series entries.

Notably, the game will introduce Mega Dragonite, a new evolution first revealed in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Reiterating its commitment to authentic Pokémon gameplay, The Pokémon Company emphasized in their announcement that Pokémon Champions aims to "deliver a comprehensive Pokémon battle experience under one roof." The title will feature longstanding battle mechanics including Pokémon types, Abilities, and signature moves, creating opportunities for both seasoned and new Trainers to devise unique strategies in competitive play.

According to company statements, "this new, battle-focused game will incorporate these familiar mechanics, offering a rich and diverse array of strategies for Trainers across all skill levels." Pokémon Champions will also support classic Pokémon transfers through Pokémon HOME, enabling players to assemble their dream teams from generations past.

The title further enriches accessibility and competitive integration by offering cross-platform battles on both Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

With a variety of multiplayer modes and formats, players can tailor their experience and compete how they see fit. In addition to its free-to-start offering, The Pokémon Company has shared that a paid digital version of Pokémon Champions will become available on both Nintendo Switch 2 and original Nintendo Switch systems.

Additional details regarding this premium version are expected to be revealed closer to launch as part of the ongoing information rollout. The selection of Pokémon Champions as the official VGC platform for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships highlights the franchise’s enduring commitment to competitive gaming and inclusive community-building.

As the event approaches, fans can expect more updates and in-depth looks at features, supported Pokémon, and championship plans, solidifying the importance of Pokémon Champions in the franchise's competitive landscape.

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