COSM-GAME Pokémon Champions
Pokémon Champions is a competitive turn-based Pokémon battle game built around assembling teams and testing them against other Trainers. Players can compete in Ranked, Casual, and Private Battles using Single Battle or Double Battle formats, while Victory Points earned through play are used to recruit and train Pokémon. Eligible partners from previous adventures can also visit through Pokémon HOME, giving players another way to build teams around familiar Pokémon. Mega Evolution and newer forms such as Z Mega Evolution expand battle strategies, while cross-platform play connects Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, and iOS / iPadOS players.
Game summary
On this page
Latest update
Ver. 1.2.0 is the current live version of Pokémon Champions. Nintendo lists the software update as released on September 8, 2026, with Version 1.2.0 also rolling out to mobile for the September 9 content change. The update adds Pokémon and held items for Regulation Set M-C, introduces the new View Log and Selection Support battle tools, and makes balance adjustments including reduced PP for Wish and Strength Sap. Regulation Set M-C became active on September 9 at 02:00 UTC and brings Z Mega Evolutions including Mega Absol Z, Mega Garchomp Z, and Mega Lucario Z, along with additional newly available Pokémon and Mega Evolutions.
Release date and status
Pokémon Champions launched globally for Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2026, followed by Android and iOS / iPadOS on June 17, 2026. Nintendo Switch 2 does not have a separate Pokémon Champions Edition. Instead, the Nintendo Switch software is playable on Nintendo Switch 2 and has a free update that improves its graphics on that hardware.
| Global release | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Mobile Launch release | Jun 17, 2026 · Android, iOS / iPadOS |
| Platforms | |
| Global status | Released |
| Pricing model | Free-to-play·In-app purchases·Subscription |
| Availability | Nintendo eShopApp StoreGoogle PlayWorldwide |
Platforms and availability
Pokémon Champions can be played on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Android, and iOS / iPadOS. Nintendo Switch 2 runs the Nintendo Switch release with a free graphics enhancement rather than a separate Switch 2 Edition. Cross-platform battles connect console and mobile players, while linking the appropriate Nintendo Account allows the same game account to be used across supported console and mobile devices.
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 uses the official Overview Trailer and seven images from The Pokémon Company's official press library. The gallery shows Mega Dragonite, Mega Chesnaught, Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar, and other battle situations that represent Pokémon Champions' competitive battle presentation and Mega Evolution system.
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.
| Developer | The Pokémon Works |
| Publishers | NintendoThe Pokémon Company |
| Official website | Pokémon Champions |
| Support | Pokémon Champions Support |
Download and availability
Pokémon Champions can be downloaded from Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch, with the same software playable on Nintendo Switch 2 through backward compatibility and its free graphics update. Android players can install the mobile release through Google Play, while iPhone and iPad players can use the App Store.
System / Device Requirements
Pokémon Champions uses fixed Nintendo Switch hardware requirements on console and publishes official mobile compatibility requirements for Android, iPhone, and iPad. Nintendo Switch 2 runs the Nintendo Switch software with an optional free graphics update rather than a separate native edition. Mobile storefront package size is kept separate from required free storage because the published download size is not the same as a complete installation requirement.
| Nintendo Switch specification | Official value |
|---|---|
| Supported hardware | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model, Nintendo Switch Lite |
| Game file size | 2.1 GB |
| Internet connection | Required for online features |
| Nintendo Switch Online | Not required |
- Official value
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED Model, Nintendo Switch Lite
- Official value
- 2.1 GB
- Official value
- Required for online features
- Official value
- Not required
| Nintendo Switch 2 specification | Official value |
|---|---|
| Supported software | Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon Champions |
| Graphics update | Free update available for improved graphics |
| Game file size | 2.4 GB |
| Internet connection | Required to download the graphics update and for online features |
| Nintendo Switch Online | Not required |
- Official value
- Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon Champions
- Official value
- Free update available for improved graphics
- Official value
- 2.4 GB
- Official value
- Required to download the graphics update and for online features
- Official value
- Not required
| Android specification | Minimum |
|---|---|
| OS | Android 13.0 or later |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| iOS / iPadOS specification | Minimum |
|---|---|
| iPhone OS | iOS 16.0 or later |
| iPad OS | iPadOS 16.0 or later |
| iPhone model floor | iPhone SE (3rd generation) or later |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| App Store package size | 2.3 GB |