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Pokémon Champions

Pokémon ChampionsポケモンチャンピオンズPokémon HOMEMega EvolutionOmni RingVictory PointsVPRanked BattlesCasual BattlesPrivate BattlesSingle BattleDouble BattleVGCPokémon World ChampionshipsCross-PlayBattle PassTrainer customization
RecruitmentStarter PackShiny PokémonCharizardPikachuGardevoirLucarioDragoniteRaichuCeruledgeEmboarMeganiumFeraligatrGengarGyaradosTyranitar
By ·Published Aug 1, 2026·Updated Aug 23, 2026·Last checked Aug 23, 2026·Official sources verified

Pokémon Champions is a free-to-play turn-based strategy game developed by The Pokémon Works and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. Players assemble teams of Pokémon and compete against other Trainers in ranked, casual, and private battles across single and double battle formats. Progression centers on earning Victory Points through battles to recruit Pokémon, train their stats and moves, and unlock trainer cosmetics. Its defining gameplay centers on dedicated competitive turn-based Pokémon battling with deep Pokémon HOME integration for cross-generational team assembly.

Game summary

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Latest update

Version 1.1.0 released on June 17, 2026, alongside the Android and iOS launch. This update introduced Regulation M-B and Ranked Battles Season M-3, expanded the playable roster, and was required for online connectivity. Trainers who logged in during the mobile launch window could claim Raichu, Raichunite X, and Raichunite Y from their in-game mailbox.

Release date and status

Pokémon Champions launched globally on Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2026. The Nintendo Switch 2 version launched simultaneously with enhanced visuals. The Android and iOS versions followed on June 17, 2026, with full cross-platform play and save data carryover via Nintendo Account linking.

Global releaseApr 8, 2026
Mobile releaseJun 17, 2026 · Android, iOS / iPadOS
Platforms
Global statusReleased
Pricing modelFree-to-play·In-app purchases
AvailabilityNintendo eShopApp StoreGoogle Play

Platforms and availability

The game is available on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, and iOS / iPadOS. It supports full cross-platform play between all versions. Save data carries over between Nintendo Switch and mobile when linked to the same Nintendo Account. A Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack bundle is available as an optional purchase, and a Premium Battle Pass offers additional seasonal rewards.

Gameplay and setting

Pokémon Champions is a competitive battle-focused spin-off where Trainers assemble teams and face off in turn-based encounters using familiar Pokémon types, Abilities, and moves. Battles take place in a stadium setting with three modes: Ranked Battles for competitive ladder play, Casual Battles for relaxed matches, and Private Battles for direct challenges. Both Single Battle and Double Battle formats are supported.

Players obtain Pokémon through two primary methods: transferring from Pokémon HOME or recruiting in-game using Victory Points (VP) earned from battles. VP is also used to train stats, change moves and Natures, and purchase trainer cosmetics. The Omni Ring enables Mega Evolution during battles, and seasonal regulations rotate eligible Pokémon and rules to keep the metagame fresh.

Starting in 2026, Pokémon Champions replaced mainline titles as the official software for the Pokémon World Championships and Play! Pokémon Championship Series events.

Trailer, screenshots, and media

The selected media includes the official Overview Trailer and a gallery of screenshots showing single and double battles, Mega Evolution, trainer customization, the Pokémon HOME transfer interface, and the Victory Points training system.

Official Overview TrailerWatch on YouTube
Screenshots
Gardevoir faces Hydreigon in a single battle with move selection UI visibleLucario and Dragapult battle Incineroar and Sylveon in a double battleMega Charizard X attacks Azumarill in a lit stadium arenaA female trainer stands beside Starmie in a battle arenaTrainer customization screen showing hair color options for a male avatarCeruledge stat training interface showing stat points, moves, and VP costsIn-game dialog explaining how Pokémon HOME links to Pokémon Champions

Developer and publisher

Pokémon Champions is developed by The Pokémon Works, a joint venture between The Pokémon Company and ILCA. Game Freak provides planning support for the project. The game is published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. It is the first release from The Pokémon Works and marks the first time a dedicated competitive platform has replaced mainline entries for official VGC events.

DeveloperThe Pokémon Works
PublishersNintendoThe Pokémon Company
Official websitePokémon Champions
SupportPokémon Champions Support

Download and availability

The game is free to download from the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, and from the App Store and Google Play for mobile devices. Optional in-game purchases include the Starter Pack, Premium Battle Pass, and various cosmetic and convenience items.

System / Device Requirements

Pokémon Champions has official device requirements for mobile platforms. Console versions use fixed hardware.

Nintendo Switch requirements
Nintendo Switch specificationValue
Supported hardwareNintendo Switch
Install sizeApproximately 1.8 GB
Internet connectionRequired for online features
Supported hardware
Value
Nintendo Switch
Install size
Value
Approximately 1.8 GB
Internet connection
Value
Required for online features
Nintendo requirements
Nintendo Switch 2 specificationValue
Supported hardwareNintendo Switch 2
Install sizeApproximately 2.1 GB
Internet connectionRequired for online features
Supported hardware
Value
Nintendo Switch 2
Install size
Value
Approximately 2.1 GB
Internet connection
Value
Required for online features
Android requirements
Android specificationMinimum
OSAndroid 13.0
RAM4 GB
StorageApproximately 2.2 GB
OSAndroid 13.0
RAM4 GB
StorageApproximately 2.2 GB
iOS / iPadOS requirements
iOS / iPadOS specificationMinimum
OSiOS 16.0 / iPadOS 16.0
DeviceiPhone SE (3rd generation) or later
RAM4 GB
StorageApproximately 2.2 GB
OSiOS 16.0 / iPadOS 16.0
DeviceiPhone SE (3rd generation) or later
RAM4 GB
StorageApproximately 2.2 GB

FAQ

Is Pokémon Champions free to play?
Yes, the game is free to start. Optional purchases include the Starter Pack, Premium Battle Pass, and various in-game cosmetic and convenience items.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to play on Nintendo Switch?
No, Nintendo Switch Online is not required for online play in Pokémon Champions.
Can I play on mobile devices?
Yes, the Android and iOS versions launched on June 17, 2026, with full cross-platform support and save data carryover via Nintendo Account linking.
How do I obtain Pokémon for my team?
You can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon HOME or recruit them in-game using Victory Points earned from battles.
Does save data carry over between Nintendo Switch and mobile?
Yes, linking the same Nintendo Account on both platforms allows save data to carry over between Switch and mobile versions.
What is the current ranked battle season?
The current regulation is M-B, and the ranked season is M-3, which began with the Version 1.1.0 update on June 17, 2026.
Can I use Pokémon from older games?
Yes, Pokémon HOME integration allows you to bring Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet, Violet, and other compatible titles into Pokémon Champions.
What are the mobile device requirements?
Android devices need Android 13.0 or later with 4 GB RAM. iOS devices need iOS 16.0 or later, iPadOS 16.0 or later, and an iPhone SE (3rd generation) or newer, also with 4 GB RAM.
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