New free-to-play Pokémon game Champions launches next month for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 users.
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Pokémon Champions was first unveiled last year and Nintendo has now confirmed the game will be heading to Nintendo Switch consoles on April 8 ahead of a mobile launch later this year.
“Get ready to experience everything you love about Pokémon battles all in one place—in Pokémon Champions. This new, battle-focused game will feature familiar mechanics such as Pokémon types, abilities and moves, creating an environment conducive to rich and varied strategies for new and experienced trainers alike,” explains a description of the game.
Pokémon Champions will see you taking part in head-to-head fights alongside your team of six ‘Mon. A number of different game modes will be available at launch including double battles, online ranked battles and casual battles.
Players will be able to transfer their Pokémon from existing games using the HOME feature, or recruit new ‘Mon to their team from Pokémon Champions. Winning battles earns Victory Points which can be used to help assemble your team and keep Pokémon beyond the standard week-long window.
Pokémon Champions is free-to-play but fans can purchase premium battle passes for access to limited-edition cosmetics and rewards. The premium battle pass will allow players to recruit Pokémon more frequently, giving them an advantage in head-to-head showdowns.
A paid membership is also available, allowing gamers to store more Pokémon and access more battle teams. Membership-exclusive missions and battle songs are also locked behind the paywall, however exact price details have yet to be confirmed.
Get ready for #PokemonChampions, arriving April 8 on Nintendo Switch!
Additionally, a free update for Nintendo Switch 2 owners will provide even clearer graphics.
Add to your Wish List here: https://t.co/8TAjAhCJEp pic.twitter.com/z6dwJgVcD5
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) March 24, 2026
The full list of Pokémon that will be available in Champions has yet to be confirmed, but Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar, and Mega Feraligatr will definitely be appearing after making their debut in Legends: Z-A. ”After undergoing mega evolution, some of these Pokémon will have never-before-seen abilities in Champions.”
It’s a big year for Pokémon fans. As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, LeafGreen & FireRed were finally made available for Switch users while some fans believe more classic games are on the way. Recently released cosy game Pokopia has become the best-reviewed Pokémon game of all time.
During this year’s Pokémon Day Presents, new mainline games Winds & Waves were officially revealed alongside the new starters.
In other news, Square Enix has announced details of a NieR orchestral soundtrack tour that will kick off later this year.
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