Pokémon Champions set to Launch April 8 on Nintendo Switch & Mobile Devices Later This Year
The Pokémon Company International announced today that Pokémon Champions will launch on the Nintendo Switch console on 8 April and on mobile devices later this year.
Pokémon Champions brings the core Pokémon battling experience to more players than ever before, with both Nintendo Switch and smartphone users able to enjoy strategic battles against each other featuring different pokémon types, abilities and move selections.
The game also supports connectivity to Pokémon HOME, allowing players to bring in qualifying Pokémon from previous core titles and Pokémon GO. This integration ensures that Trainers can continue using their longtime partner Pokémon in new battles and events within Pokémon Champions.
Pokémon Champions will be the primary platform for the Video Game Championships at all Play! Pokémon Premier Events beginning with the Indianapolis Regional Championships from 29-31 May, the Turin Special Championships from 6-7 June the North America International Championships from 12-14 June and the Pokémon World Championships from 28-30 August. More information on the transition can be found here.
Upgrade Pack Available at Launch
Additionally, the Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack will also be available on April 8th. This bundle includes the base game and additional in‑game bonuses that support early progression. Players on the Nintendo Switch 2 console can also look forward to enhanced visual performance through a free update available from 8 April. Players will need to connect to the internet and download the update before playing.
Returning Mega-Evolved Pokémon
In Pokémon Champions, several Mega‑Evolved Pokémon make their appearance, including Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar and Mega Feraligatr. These Pokémon debuted in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and bring new Abilities into Pokémon Champions.
- Mega Meganium introduces the new Ability Mega Sol, which lets the Pokémon use its moves as if the weather were harsh sunlight.
- Mega Emboar’s Mold Breaker allows it to ignore opposing Abilities when using moves.
- Mega Feraligatr’s new Ability Dragonize converts its Normal‑type moves into Dragon‑type moves and boosts their power by 20%.
For more information on Pokémon Champions, including details on gameplay, services, and updates, please visit the official website.
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About Pokémon
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, please visit www.pokemon.com.
About Nintendo
Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has created franchises that have become household names worldwide, including Mario™, Donkey Kong™, The Legend of Zelda™, Metroid™, Pokémon™, Animal Crossing™, Pikmin™ and Splatoon™, through its integrated hardware and software products. Nintendo aims to deliver unique, intuitive entertainment experiences for everyone, manufacturing and marketing video game devices such as the Nintendo Switch™ family of systems, developing and operating applications for smart devices, and collaborating with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like visual content and theme parks. Nintendo has sold more than 5.8 billion video games and over 850 million hardware units globally. From the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System™ more than 30 years ago, through today and into the future, Nintendo’s continuing mission is to create unique entertainment that puts smiles on the faces of people all over the world. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Frankfurt, Germany, serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in Europe. For more information about Nintendo of Europe, please visit the company’s website here
