Nintendo Switch Version of Pokémon Champions Launches April 8! Enjoy Pokémon Battles and Training with Free-to-Play Access

The latest title in the Pokémon series, the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon Champions, launches on Wednesday, April 8, 2026!
Specialized in Pokémon battles, this title is free-to-play on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Enjoy Heated Pokémon Battles! Nintendo Switch Version Pokémon Champions

Pokémon Champions, a new game specialized in Pokémon battles familiar from the Pokémon series, launches on Nintendo Switch on Wednesday, April 8, 2026!
With the exception of some items, it is free-to-play.

Intense Ranked Battles and Casual Battles Too! Diverse Battle Modes

Ranked Battles

Match and battle with Trainers of similar rank.
Since your rank rises or falls depending on whether you win or lose, aim for the top ranks by racking up victories!

Casual Battles

A battle mode you can enjoy casually because wins and losses are not recorded and there are no rank changes.
It is perfect for relaxed play, such as practice or a change of pace.

Private Battles

You can enjoy battling together with family and friends by sharing a Room ID.

Online Competitions

A mode where you fight under rules decided for each period.
Information regarding Ranked Battles seasons, regulations, and online competitions is scheduled to be updated from time to time on the Pokémon Champions official website!

Understand the Battle System and Formulate a Strategy!

In this title, you build a team of six Pokémon, show them to your opponent, and proceed with the battle while choosing which Pokémon to send out.

First, select six Pokémon from your Boxes to organize a team.
You can create multiple teams.

Once you choose a team for battle, match with an opponent!
Before the match, you show each other your team members and select your Pokémon.
By predicting which Pokémon the opponent will send out, strategic play is possible.

After selecting your Pokémon, the battle begins!
The player who reduces the HP of all Pokémon on the opponent's team to 0 wins.

There are two battle formats: Single Battles, where Pokémon are sent out one by one, and Double Battles, where you fight two-on-two.
You can choose according to your preference.

Additionally, you can earn VP (Victory Points) by completing battles and missions.
These VP can be used for various things in the game, such as performing Recruitment for Pokémon or conducting training.

Battle with Your Favorite Pokémon! Pokémon Raised in Past Titles Can Also Be Used

You can prepare Pokémon to use in battle in two ways as follows:

Recruitment

Try using Recruitment to find Pokémon to fight alongside you within Pokémon Champions.
Once every 22 hours, you can make one Pokémon from a random selection your ally without using VP.
Since the Pokémon obtained through Recruitment are already trained, you can play with them in battle immediately.

The Recruitment methods are as follows:

• Trial Recruitment: Time-limited (7 days) Recruitment that can be performed without VP. You can easily test if they fit your tactics.
• Permanent Recruitment: Indefinite Recruitment that uses VP. It is also possible to use Teammate Tickets instead of VP.

Linkage with Pokémon HOME

You can also challenge battles with your own Pokémon caught in previous Pokémon series titles or Pokémon GO.
Deposit them into Pokémon HOME within each game, and from there, let them go on an expedition to Pokémon Champions.
Check the Pokémon Champions official website for details!

Training to Customize to Your Liking and a Shop to Get Items Too!

Training

In Training, you can use VP to change the moves your Pokémon can use, stat modifiers, Abilities, and more!
You can enjoy training them to your liking, such as focusing on offense or prioritizing defense.

Shop

In the Shop, you can use VP to purchase held items for Pokémon and Mega Stones.
In addition to being able to obtain player wardrobes, cosmetics, and Poké Ball throwing styles, you can also purchase battle music used during combat.

Enjoy heated Pokémon battles with a variety of battle modes in Pokémon Champions.
Check the Pokémon Champions official website for further details on the game!

Pokémon Champions Starter Pack and Early Download Bonuses Too

The Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack, which includes the game and a set of bonuses, and early download bonuses are now available for the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon Champions!

Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack with Various Bonuses Is Now Available

The Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack, which includes the main game and various bonuses that can be used in-game, is now available!
The price is 6.99 USD.

Permanent Recruitment for many Pokémon and Training are possible.
Even those new to the Pokémon series can enjoy a full Pokémon battle experience from the start.

Set Contents

• Box Expansion +50 Pokémon
• Additional Battle Music "Battle! (Trainer Battle)" from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
• 30 Teammate Tickets
• 50 Training Tickets

Get Dragonite! Early Download Bonus

If you play Pokémon Champions by Monday, August 31, 2026, you can receive Dragonite from the in-game Mailbox!

Furthermore, as you progress through the game, you can obtain Dragonitite from the first season's Battle Pass.
By having Dragonite hold Dragonitite, Mega Evolution into Mega Dragonite is possible!

The Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon Champions, which launched on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, is free-to-play and also supports free updates to Nintendo Switch 2.
Additionally, a smartphone version is scheduled for release in the summer of 2026.
Check the Pokémon Champions official website for detailed information!

🏆#PokemonChampions is now available on Nintendo Switch!🏆

Join me at the Battle Arena in Frontier City, and let's find out who's the strongest Trainer!https://t.co/pX3RHAzxyL pic.twitter.com/zrX8TiA678

— Pokémon Champions (@Pokemon_Champs) April 8, 2026