The Pokémon Company has officially announced that Pokémon Champions will launch on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on April 8, 2026, with a mobile version planned for later this year.
The free-to-play battle simulator serves as the new competitive platform for the series, allowing trainers to compete in battles using familiar features such as types, abilities and moves.
Cross-platform functionality between Switch and mobile devices will be available upon the release of the mobile version.
Players can also connect to Pokémon HOME to retrieve Pokémon from previous titles and Pokémon GO.
Most importantly, the game is also set to feature Mega Evolutions introduced in Pokémon Legends: ZA, including Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar and Mega Feraligatr, each introducing new abilities.
Mega Megamium’s Mega Sol creates harsh sunlight conditions, while Mega Feraligatr’s Gragonize galvanizes normal-type moves into dragon-type moves.
A paid starter pack will be available at launch, which provides additional Pokémon storage, a battle theme from Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, and tickets to recruit and train Pokémon in the game.
However, most competitive players are expected to transfer Pokémon via Pokémon HOME instead of relying on in-game recruitment methods.
Fans will also receive a free graphics enhancement update with the Switch 2 version. PAX East attendees can preview the game this weekend before it releases next month.
