Pokémon Champions is unlike any other Pokémon game: no adventure and no catching, just battles, nothing but battles. You recruit your Pokémon, train them with the in-game currency, and battle online against Trainers from around the world. Here is how to get off to a good start.

Platforms
Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, iOS and Android
Release
April 8, 2026 (console), June 17, 2026 (mobile)
Price
free, with optional purchases
Developer
The Pokémon Works
Cross-play
yes, a single account on every platform

What Pokémon Champions is

In the tradition of Pokémon Stadium or Pokémon Battle Revolution, Pokémon Champions focuses entirely on battles. It carries over all the mechanics of the main games (types, abilities, moves, items) and adds Mega Evolution through the Omni Ring.

Since the 2026 World Championships, it is also the official game of Pokémon video game competitions, replacing the main series games.

A battle in the Frontalis Arena.

Your character

At the start, you choose to play as Billy or Nicky, from several starting looks. This initial choice is permanent, but many details (eyes, hairstyle, makeup, outfits) can be changed freely afterward, as can your poses and your Poké Ball throw. See our guide to Customization.
The wardrobe, for changing outfits.
Two Trainers face to face before a private battle.

The three battle modes

Competition

Ranked Battles

Your rank changes based on your results, against opponents of a similar level. This is the mode that earns Victory Points and season rewards.

No stakes

Friendly Battles

Against players from around the world, with no effect on your rank. Ideal for testing a new team.

With friends

Private Battles

A private lobby with your own rules, to face your friends or organize a tournament.

Each mode comes in two formats: Single Battle (one Pokémon against one Pokémon) and Double Battle (two against two), the format of the official Championships.

The game loop: recruit, train, battle

  1. Recruit Pokémon at the Recruitment Ranch, or send yours over from Pokémon HOME. See Recruitment.
  2. Train them: stat points, stat alignment, ability and moves can be changed in exchange for Victory Points. See Training.
  3. Battle to earn Victory Points, climb in rank and unlock rewards. See Ranked Battles.

Your first ten hours

  1. Follow the tutorial in Cordy’s training room: it introduces the controls and Mega Evolution, and earns you a few Mega Stones.
  2. Collect the gifts: launch gifts, active codes and Pokémon distributed through the gifts menu. See Gift Pokémon.
  3. Do a trial recruitment every day: it is free, and lets you try out a Pokémon for 7 days.
  4. Build a first team around versatile Pokémon, then train them only once you are sure you will keep them.
  5. Jump into Ranked Battles: even losses move the Battle Pass forward.

The characters of Frontalis

The game takes place in Frontalis, a city dedicated to battles. There you will meet Totora, the receptionist who registers you for competitions; Rucola, who runs the Recruitment Ranch; Cordy, the battle expert; Carvie, the owner of the Battle Arena; and her father Nakajimana, the city’s mayor.