Pokemon Champions Release on Switch [Video]

Pokemon Champions comes to Nintendo Switch on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Also available April 8, the Pokemon Champions + Starter Pack bundle.

The bundle includes the base game, in-game benefits like added Pokemon storage space, an extra battle song, and more! Nintendo Switch 2 players can download a free update that allows users to enjoy clearer graphics.

Pokemon Champions Gameplay

“Take on Trainers from around the world and battle with Mega-Evolved Pokemon that have newly discovered Abilities.”

Players can engage Pokemon battles using familiar mechanics such as Pokemon type, Abilities, and moves, enabling battles strategies players know and love.

Pokemon Champions for mobile is also on the way, and players will be able to battle cross-platform between the Switch and mobile devices.

Players can also link with Pokemon HOME, which allows users to team up with Pokemon from past series games and Pokemon GO.

Pokemon that will be introduced in the new release include Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar, and Mega Feraligatr, who made an appearance in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Some of these Pokemon will have never-before-seen Abilities after undergoing Mega Evolution in Champions.

Mega Meganium will have Mega Sol, which allows it to use moves as if the weather were harsh sunlight. Mega Emboar has Mold Breaker Ability, which makes its moves unaffected by the Ability of the target. Mega Feraligatr has Dragonize which turns Normal-type moves into Dragon-type move and boosts power by 20 percent.

Pokemon Battles

The new release focuses on online competition against Trainers in turn-based, one-on-one Single Battles or two-on-two Double Battles. Choose a team of six Pokemon to challenge opponents and strategies like swapping Pokemon in the middle of battle, powering up with Mega Evolution, or making use of type advantages to secure victory. Choose on the fly, but choose wisely!

Recruiting Pokemon

Recruiting can happen two ways: Connect to the Pokemon HOME app where already obtained and transferred from Pokemon RPG series and Pokemon GO to join the team.

Trainers may also recruit one random Pokemon per day, available for a week and only usable with Champions. Players can also use Victory Points (VP) to recruit more than one Pokemon a day, and spend VP to permanently recruit.

Online Modes

Players can test their skills in Ranked Battles and work toward the top spot against similarly ranked Trainers. Players can also experiment in Casual Battles where wins and losses are not recorded. In Private Battles, users can create a room and battle against anyone with the Room ID. Also available are in-game Online Competitions with preset rules that change each season.

Victory Points

Earned VP can be spent to train Pokemon and adjust moves, Abilities, stat points, Natures, and more. They can be used to purchase held items, Mega Stones, battle music, and new looks and styles for your Trainer in the Shop.

Sources:

Pokemon.com: Pokemon Champions Releases on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on April 8
Nintendo: Nintendo brings hands-on Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay experiences featuring Mario and Pokemon to PAX East 2026
Crunchroll: Pokemon Champions Online Battle Game Launches on April 8

Featured Image Courtesy of Carlo Giovanni Poumian’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License