Is Pokemon Champions Free to Play?

The release date for Pokemon Champions has been announced recently, and the community is buzzing with excitement. Fans are eager to see what could be the biggest Pokemon battle game ever made. Champions will bring back the original turn-based battle system from older Pokemon titles, but with top-notch visuals, making every battle feel real. But with plenty of paid Nintendo games out there, the real question that arises is: Is Pokemon Champions free-to-play? Luckily, we’ve got the answer.

Will Pokemon Champions Be Free to Play?

Yes, Pokemon Champions is confirmed to be a free-to-play game by The Pokemon Company. This means you won’t have to spend any money to access the game and its gameplay features. Players can download the game for free on Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 2 when it releases on April 8, 2026. The game is also scheduled to be free to play for Android and iOS after it releases later this year.

When Pokemon Champions releases across all platforms, you’ll be able to cross-play between them for a better overall experience. On top of that, Nintendo Switch 2 players will be able to download a free Pokemon Champions update that allows them to enjoy the game with more polished graphics.

Similar to the old Stadium games, Pokemon Champions is a turn-based battle game where you can transfer your Pokemon that you’ve caught in other games like GO, Legends ZA, and Scarlet & Violet. The Pokemon transferred can be used in battles to fight against other trainers. You can also make your Pokemon learn various moves, customise stats, and take advantage of the Pokemon Types.

Pokemon Champions ‘Free-to-Start’ Explained

As discussed, Pokemon Champions will be a free-to-play game on Nintendo Switch consoles and mobile devices. However, like other Pokemon titles such as Pokemon GO, Pokemon TCG Pocket, and Pokemon Masters EX, it will be labeled as a ‘free-to-start’ experience.

Free-to-start means you can download and play the game for free, with access to its core content at no cost. However, optional purchases, such as subscriptions, bonuses, or in-game items, will be available to enhance your experience. It’s similar to Pokemon GO events, which are playable for free but offer paid tickets that provide extra rewards and bonuses.

The base game for Pokemon Champions will be available for free, but several paid content options, like the Starter Bundle, Battle Pass, or Monthly / Yearly Subscriptions, can provide extra benefits. This includes added Pokemon storage space, in-game items, special music, and more. This will lead to having more restrictions in the free version compared to the paid one, as you might need to buy extra storage or complete long missions and rent Pokemon.

Overall, Pokemon Champions is shaping up to be the biggest free-to-play PvP game of the franchise and will be the official competitive console game after the game’s global release. Are you excited for it? Let us know in the comments below.