" Pokémon Champions " for Nintendo Switch, the latest title in the " Pokémon " series, will be available on Wednesday, April 8, 2026! The game, which specializes in Pokémon battles, will be available for free on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Enjoy heated Pokémon battles in "Pokémon Champions" for Nintendo Switch!
Pokémon Champions", a new game specialized in Pokémon battles of the well-known Pokémon series, will be available on Nintendo Switch on Wednesday, April 8, 2026! The game is free to play except for some items.
Hot ranked battles and casual battles are also available! Various battle modes
Ranked Battle
Trainers are matched with other trainers of similar rank and battle. Ranks go up and down according to wins and losses, so aim for a higher rank by accumulating victories!
Casual Battle
This is a casual battle mode that can be enjoyed casually, as wins and losses are not recorded and ranks do not fluctuate. It is ideal for relaxing, practicing, or just to refresh your mind.
Private Battle

You can share a room ID with family members or acquaintances and enjoy battles together.
Online Competitions
A mode in which players battle according to rules determined for each period of time. Information about the Ranked Battle season, regulations, and online competitions will be updated on the official "Pokémon Champions" website as needed!
Know the battle system and plan your strategy!
In this game, you create a team of six Pokémon, show them to your opponents, and choose the Pokémon you want to send out to battle.
First, select six Pokémon from the box to form a team. You can create multiple teams.

After selecting a team to battle, you will be matched with an opponent! Before the battle, you show each other your team members and select your Pokémon. You can play strategically by predicting which Pokémon your opponent will unleash.

Once you have selected your Pokémon, the battle begins! The player who reduces the HP of all Pokémon on the opposing team to 0 wins.
There are two battle formats: " Single Battle," in which one Pokémon is launched at a time, and " Double Battle, " in which two players fight against each other. You can choose the one that best suits your taste.
In addition, " Victory Points (VP) " can be earned by completing battles and missions. These VPs can be used for scouting Pokémon, training, and various other things in the game.
Battle with your favorite Pokémon! Pokémon raised in past titles can also be used!
Pokémon used in battle can be prepared in two ways.
Scout

Scout for Pokémon to fight with in Pokémon Champions. Once every 22 hours, a Pokémon can be recruited from a random Pokémon without a VP. Scouted Pokémon have already been trained, so you can play with them in battle.

The scouting method is as follows.
- Trial Scout: A time-limited (7-day) scouting process that can be performed without VP. You can try it out to see if it fits your tactics.
- Regular Scouting: Scouting with VP for an unlimited period of time; you can also use regular tickets instead of VP.
Linkage with "Pokémon HOME

You can challenge battles with Pokémon you have caught in the "Pokémon" series and "Pokémon GO". You can deposit your Pokémon in " Pokémon HOME " in each game and send them on an expedition to "Pokémon Champions" from there. For more information, check out the official Pokémon Champions website!
There's also a "Training" section where you can train your own animals, as well as a "Shop" where you can get items!
Training
In Training, you can use VPs to change Pokémon's usable moves, ability compensation, and characteristics! You can enjoy training Pokémon to your liking, such as specializing in attack or focusing on defense.
Store
In the store, you can use VPs to purchase Pokémon belongings and megastones. You can also get player outfits, makeup, and ball throws, as well as purchase battle songs during battles.
For more information on "Pokémon Champions," check out the official "Pokémon Champions" website!
| Title Outline | |
|---|---|
| Name of the game | Pokémon Champions |
| Compatibility | Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android *Can be played on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Sales format | Download only |
| Distribution date | Nintendo Switch version: April 8, 2026 (Wednesday) Smartphone version (iOS / Android): Summer 2026 |
| Retail price | Free for basic play *Some items will be charged |
| CERO | CERO A |
| Genre | Pokemon Battle |
| Languages | Japanese, English, European Spanish, Latin American Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese |
| Planning and production | Game Freak Inc., Pokemon Co. |
| Development | Pokémon Works, Inc. |
| Released by | Pokemon Co. |
| Sales | Nintendo Switch version: Nintendo Co. Smartphone version (iOS / Android): Pokémon Co. |
"Pokémon Champions" starter pack and early download bonus

Pokémon Champions for Nintendo Switch is now available in a "Pokémon Champions" + Starter Pack and early download bonus!
Pokémon Champions" + Starter Pack with a variety of special offers!

Pokémon Champions" + Starter Pack, which includes the main game and a variety of special offers that can be used in the game, is now available! The price is 980 yen (tax included).
The pack allows regular scouting and training of many Pokémon. Even if you are new to the Pokémon series, you can enjoy a rich Pokémon battle experience from the very beginning.
Set Contents
- Box expansion + 50 Pokémon
- Additional battle songs "Battle (VS Trainer)" Pokemon Let's Go! Pikachu, Let's Go! Eevee
- 30 regular tickets
- 50 Training Tickets
You can get "Caillou"! Early Download Bonus

If you play "Pokémon Champions" by Monday, August 31, 2026, you will receive a " Caillou" from your "Mailbox" in the game!
In addition, you can get Kylieu Knight from the first season's Battle Pass as you progress through the game. In addition, you can get a Kairu Knight from the first season's Battle Pass as you advance in gameplay!

Pokémon Champions for Nintendo Switch, available on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, is free to play and supports a free update to Nintendo Switch 2. A smartphone version will be available in the summer of 2026. For more information, please visit the official "Pokémon Champions" website!
本日4月8日(水)から、Nintendo Switch版の『Pokémon Champions』が配信開始!
世界中のポケモントレーナーたちとのバトルを楽しもう!https://t.co/N0MgKSFPrk #ポケモンチャンピオンズ #ポケチャン pic.twitter.com/xou4P5j9vZ— ポケモン公式 (@Pokemon_cojp) April 8, 2026
| Title Overview | |
|---|---|
| Name of the game | Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack |
| Compatibility | Nintendo Switch *Can be played on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Sales format | Download only |
| Release date | April 8, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Retail price | 980 yen (including tax) |
| Special Set Contents | Box expansion + 50 animals Battle Song "Battle (VS Trainer)" Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu / Let's Go! Eevee Regular Tickets 30 Training Tickets 50 |
| CERO | CERO A |
| GENRE | Pokemon Battle |
| Languages | Japanese, English, European Spanish, Latin American Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese |
| Planning and production | Game Freak Inc., Pokemon Co. |
| Development | Pokémon Works, Inc. |
| Released by | Pokemon Co. |
| Sales | Nintendo Co. |











