Today marks a new era in Pokémon battles with the release of Pokémon Champions, now available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems ahead of its launch on mobile devices later this year.
In Pokémon Champions, Trainers will be able to enjoy traditional turn-based Pokémon battles using familiar mechanics such as Pokémon types, Abilities, and moves, which will enable them to dive into the rich and varied battle strategies that Trainers know and love.
Also available today is the Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack bundle, which includes the base game and additional in‑game bonuses to help Trainers on their path towards becoming a Pokémon Champion. Players on Nintendo Switch 2 can also download a free update that will add enhanced visual graphics.
Trainers who play Pokémon Champions by Monday, August 31, 2026, can claim Dragonite and 100 Quick Coupons from their in-game mailbox. They can also obtain a Dragoninite stone from the first season’s battle pass by continuing to play. When Dragonite holds a Dragoninite stone, it can Mega Evolve into Mega Dragonite.
For those with Champion aspirations, the Play! Pokémon Program will also make the transition to Pokémon Champions as the main platform for the Video Game Championships (VGC) beginning in April.
At local game stores, Pokémon Champions play will begin rolling out at launch, dependent on the Pokémon League location. For VGC, the first main event to feature Pokémon Champions will be the Indianapolis Regional Championships on May 29 through May 31, followed by the Turin Special Championships from June 6 through June 7, the North America International Championships from June 12 through June 14, and the Pokémon World Championships from August 28 through August 30. More information can be found here.
For more information on Pokémon Champions, including details on gameplay, services, and updates, please visit the official website.
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