Pokémon Champions has officially entered the arena. As per the press release, the new battle-focused Pokémon game is available now on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch, with a mobile version set to arrive later this year.
The pitch here is simple. If you like classic Pokémon battles, this one is very much speaking your language.
In Pokémon Champions, Trainers can jump into traditional turn-based battles using familiar mechanics like Pokémon types, Abilities, and moves. In other words, it is all about the sort of strategic scraps Pokémon fans have been fine-tuning for years.
Also launching today is the Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack bundle, which includes the base game plus extra in-game bonuses to give players a handy boost on the road to Champion status.
Pokémon Champions launch bonuses include Dragonite and Quick Coupons
There is a little extra on the table for early players, too. Trainers who play Pokémon Champions by Monday, 31 August 2026 can claim Dragonite and 100 Quick Coupons from their in-game mailbox.
Keep playing, and there is another reward in sight. Players can earn a Dragoninite stone from the first season’s battle pass. When held by Dragonite, that stone lets it Mega Evolve into Mega Dragonite. Which, frankly, feels like the sort of thing likely to get people’s attention.
Nintendo Switch 2 players also get enhanced visuals, so anyone jumping in on the newer hardware can expect a shinier version of the experience.
Pokémon Champions is taking over VGC from April
Pokémon Champions is not just launching as a new game. It is also becoming a major part of competitive play.
As per the press release, the Play! Pokémon Program will shift to Pokémon Champions as the main platform for the Video Game Championships (VGC) starting in April.
That move begins showing up in major events almost immediately. The first main VGC event to feature Pokémon Champions will be the Indianapolis Regional Championships from 29 May to 31 May. That will be followed by the Turin Special Championships from 6 June to 7 June, the North America International Championships from 12 June to 14 June, and finally the Pokémon World Championships from 28 August to 30 August.
Meanwhile, local game store support for Pokémon Champions will begin rolling out from launch, depending on the Pokémon League location.