Pokemon Champions: Release Date, Platforms and Everything We Know So Far

Pokemon games are all the rage right now, and 2026 might be the year for Pokemon fans. From Pokemon GO events, collecting TCG Pocket cards, waiting for Pokopia, or enjoying the new DLC in Legends ZA, fans cannot get enough of the Pokemon. You’d be excited to know that a new installment called Pokemon Champions is on the way.

Pokemon Champions is a strategy-based title and a spinoff of the original Champions series. The release window for it has been revealed, along with plenty of other details to go through. So if you’re looking for all the info about the game, find out more right here.

Editor’s Note: As of February 26, 2026, we have updated the article with new information.

Pokemon Champions Release Date Speculation

Pokemon Champions is speculated for a February 2026 release. While an official release date hasn’t been announced yet, there’s a high chance for the game to be released on February 27, 2026, as part of Pokemon 30th Anniversary Celebration.

Furthermore, the World Championship starts around April, which means February would be the ideal month for the release of Pokemon Champions. You can expect more details to be announced during the Pokemon Presents Livestream. Once an official release date is announced, we will update this section. So make sure to check back in frequently.

Pokemon Champions Supported Platforms

Pokemon Champions is confirmed to release for the Nintendo Switch family of systems, as well as for iOS and Android devices. It was also confirmed that the game will be available as a “free-to-start” game for Nintendo Switch 2, but will also have a digital paid version in 2026. This could indicate that some content or Pokemon might be locked behind a DLC or Game Pass. Take this info with a pinch of salt, as more details will be revealed closer to release.

Furthermore, Pokemon Champions will also be used as the VGC software for the Pokemon World Championships and for Championship Series events leading up to Worlds. This will be enforced from the 2026 season, shortly after the game’s release.

Will Pokemon Champions Support Crossplay?

It is confirmed that Pokemon Champions will support crossplay. You can crossplay between Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. You can also link Pokemon HOME and bring your favorites from other games as well.

Pokemon Champions Gameplay Details

Pokemon Champions is a turn-based strategy game and is similar in gameplay to the Pokemon Stadium series of games, but with better graphics. Here are some of the core gameplay mechanisms in the game:

• Wide Pool of Pokemon: There will be 350 Pokemon added with the game’s release. We can expect more to be added with each season.
• Team Building: You can build your team by recruiting Pokemon from within the game itself or bringing some of your past partners in through Pokemon HOME. There will be rental teams available for casual modes.
• Recruit Pokemon: You can use a trial Pokemon to check if it suits your team. The trial Pokemon can be added permanently using Victory Points (VP).
• Training your team: By using VP, you can increase your Pokemon’s Attack, Defense, and other stats, while also altering their Abilities and moves. You cannot train trial Pokemon. As you progress and level up, your opponents will also get stronger.
• Battle Modes and Formats: There are three different battle modes: Ranked, Casual, and Private Battles. You can challenge these modes in both Single Battle and Double Battle formats. Triple, inverse, and rotation battles will also return in this game.
• New Nuzlocke-themed challenge: There will be a new challenge, like a Nuzlocke. If a Pokemon faints, it can’t be used again until you beat a certain tier. You can’t heal your Pokemon until you have won 10 consecutive battles; every 10th battle will be a Gym Leader or a familiar NPC. If your whole team faints before you can heal, you’ll have to start over.
• Special Challenges: There’ll be special modes, like Level 50, Level 100, and gimmick challenges. For example, a Dynamax-only challenge or type-specific challenges. These challenges will give special rewards like skins for your trainer, stadiums, held items, and Pokemon.
• Mega Evolution: The early days of the game will allow players to use Mega-Evolved Pokemon. There aren’t many details on how one can obtain Mega Stones, but we expect them to be awarded in matches or missions.
• Omni Ring: You will wear a device called an Omni Ring, which is similar to a Mega Ring in the video game series. The Omni Ring is expected to support Mega Evolution, Z-Move, Dynamax, and Terastallization.

As per fan reaction, the game is already being praised for its stunning graphics and colorful visuals. Looking at the hype, there’s no doubt that tons of Pokemon trainers will tune in to play Champions, given the game’s wide compatibility across multiple devices and its seamless crossplay functionality.

Are you excited for Pokemon Champions or would you rather enjoy cozying up to Legends ZA for a bit longer? Let us know in the comments below!