The Pokemon Company and developer The Pokemon Works have announced that Pokemon Champions will launch for Switch on April 8, and Switch 2 owners will be able to enjoy the game with “clearer graphics” via a free update. The iOS and Android versions will follow later in 2026.
Pokemon Champions is a free-to-start game focused on building a team of Pokemon and engaging in online battles against other players. These battles use familiar mechanics from previous Pokemon RPG series games such as Pokemon types, Abilities and moves, enabling the rich and varied battle strategies that Trainers may already be familiar with.
Players also have the option to purchase the Pokemon Champions + Starter Pack bundle for 50 more Pokemon in their storage box, the “Battle! (Trainer Battle)” song from Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, 30 Teammate Tickets, and 50 Training Tickets. Additionally, a Premium Battle Pass and Membership will also be available for purchase in the game.
Here are some additional details about the game:
- Pokemon Battles – Pokemon Champions focuses on competing online against Trainers from near and far in turn-based, one-on-one Single Battles or two-on-two Double Battles. Gather a team of six Pokemon to challenge your opponents and make use of strategies like swapping Pokemon mid-battle, powering them up with Mega Evolution, making use of type advantages and more to secure victory. Decisions you make on the fly could influence the tide of battle, so choose wisely.
- Recruit Pokemon – Recruit battle-ready Pokemon in two ways: Connect to the Pokemon HOME app where certain Pokemon you’ve obtained and transferred from the Pokemon RPG series and the Pokemon GO app will be available to join your team. Or, recruit one random Pokemon per day, which will be available to you for one week and only usable in Pokemon Champions. You can also use Victory Points (VP) to recruit multiple Pokemon in a single day. Plus, spend VP to recruit Pokemon permanently.
- Online Modes – Test your skills in Ranked Battles and aim for the top spot against similarly ranked Trainers. Experiment freely in Casual Battles, where wins and losses aren’t recorded. And in Private Battles, create a room and battle against anyone with the Room ID. There will also be in-game Online Competitions, which have preset rules that change every season.
- Victory Points (VP) – Earned VP can be spent in several ways. In addition to recruiting Pokemon, you can spend VP to train Pokemon and adjust their moves, abilities, stat points, Natures and more. Head to the in-game Shop and you can also exchange VP to purchase various things such as held items, Mega Stones, battle music, and even new looks and styles for your trainer—including clothing, Poke Ball throwing styles and more.