Pokémon Champions

Pokémon Champions is a free-to-start, battle-focused Pokémon game developed by The Pokémon Works and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. Instead of an adventure, it concentrates entirely on competitive Pokémon battles, offering a streamlined experience for both seasoned Trainers and newcomers while building its tactical depth on familiar mechanics such as types, Abilities and moves. Players can climb the global leaderboard in Ranked Battles, enjoy relaxed matches in Casual Battles, or challenge friends in Private Battles, with cross-platform play that lets mobile users battle Trainers on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Its integration with Pokémon HOME allows players to import partners from titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet or Pokémon GO, although only Pokémon supported by Champions can be transferred in and none can be sent back.

A simplified training system lets players assign stat points—such as Speed or Special Attack—using in-game currency, making it easier to build competitive teams without extensive grinding, while Mega Evolution, including the Z Mega Evolutions introduced in 2026, shapes team composition. Its clean, battle-focused interface is designed for cross-platform play: there is no exploration or story campaign, just a hub for online Pokémon battles. Pokémon Champions launched on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on April 8, 2026, with a free update that improves its visuals on Switch 2, and arrived on iOS and Android on June 17, 2026. It has since been supported with regular Regulation Sets, Ranked Battle seasons and Battle Passes, and was featured at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships.