A brand-new Pokémon battle experience is on the horizon with Pokémon Champions, an upcoming competitive PvP game announced during February 2025's Pokémon Presents.
Developed by The Pokémon Works with support from Game Freak, the game is set to launch on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, bringing cross-platform Pokémon battles to a wider audience than ever before.
Here's everything we know about Pokémon Champions so far, including thoughts about a potential release window, the latest trailer, and gameplay details.
Table of contents
- Pokémon Champions’ Potential Release Date Window
- Pokémon Champions Trailer Breakdown
- Gameplay & Features
Pokémon Champions’ Potential Release Date Window
While there's no official release date yet, we believe Pokémon Champions will likely launch sometime in 2026. The trailer only mentioned that it's "now in development," and Pokémon Legends Z-A, which was shown in the same presentation, is slated for late 2025. Given this, it's reasonable to assume that The Pokémon Company wouldn't want to release Champions too close to another major title like Legends Z-A. To maximize attention for Pokémon Champions, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company might opt for a later release to create some distance from Z-A.
Related: Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Pokémon Champions Trailer Breakdown
The reveal trailer may not showcase extensive gameplay, but it provides a peek into the game's aesthetic and tone. It begins with a nostalgic journey through the evolution of Pokémon battles across Nintendo consoles, then transitions to a real-time battle between two players—one using a mobile device and the other on a Nintendo Switch.
The setting is a massive, futuristic battle arena filled with cheering crowds and dazzling spotlights, evoking a grand esports atmosphere.
The trailer's highlight is a flashy showdown featuring Charizard and Samurott against Dondozo and Aegislash, hinting at a 1v1 or 2v2 format. The visuals suggest that battles in Pokémon Champions will be far more visually spectacular compared to those in Scarlet & Violet.
Related: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Can Fix One Major Gen IX Drawback
Gameplay & Features
While details are limited, Pokémon Champions is confirmed to focus exclusively on battles, diverging from traditional catching and exploration mechanics. Players will have the ability to connect to Pokémon Home, allowing them to bring their favorite Pokémon from past games into the competition.
The cross-play functionality between Switch and mobile devices suggests a more accessible yet deeply competitive online experience.
With Game Freak involved in planning, Pokémon Champions could be a serious contender in the esports scene. Whether it will cater to casual or hardcore ranked battles is yet to be determined, but anticipation is high for the next trailer and that elusive release date.
Now you're up to date on Pokémon Champions. For more Pokémon news, explore all the Pokémon confirmed in Legends: Z-A so far, and discover what the "A" stands for in Pokémon Legends: Z-A to stay informed on essential trivia.
