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Pokemon Champions 2026

What this countdown tracks

The clock above counts down to Pokemon Champions, The Pokemon Company's standalone competitive battle title launching across Switch 2, Switch, iOS, and Android in 2026.

About this game

Pokemon Champions is The Pokemon Company's first standalone competitive battle title, designed around the Video Game Championships (VGC) competitive scene rather than the mainline RPG fanbase. The cross-platform release covers Switch 2, the original Switch, iOS, and Android — making it the first Pokemon title to ship same-day on mobile and console hardware. Pokemon Home transfers from across the modern Pokemon series feed Champions' battle roster.

Game Freak is co-developing with The Pokemon Company's internal teams, with day-one cross-platform online play. The title is positioned as the competitive complement to the mainline Pokemon Scarlet/Violet and the upcoming Generation 10 entries — keeping competitive players engaged year-round.

Gameplay and platforms

Genre: Turn-based competitive battle.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android.
Cross-platform play: Yes, day one.
Battle modes: Singles, Doubles, VGC-format ranked play.

What to expect

The game is expected to support the full National Pokedex via Pokemon Home transfers, with regulation-set rotations matching the official VGC competitive calendar. Free-to-play monetization on mobile is rumored, with cosmetic-only or quality-of-life-focused premium options.

How to play

Pokemon Champions launches in 2026 with simultaneous Switch 2, Switch, iOS, and Android availability. Cross-progression through a Pokemon Trainer Club account is expected.

Past releases (Pokemon)

Pokemon Stadium (1999), Pokemon Stadium 2 (2000): the franchise's last competitive-battle-focused titles before Champions.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (2022): the most recent mainline entries.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A (2025): the Lumiose City-set side entry.

For more 2026 Switch 2 first-party events, see the Star Fox countdown and the Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake countdown.

FAQ

When does Pokemon Champions release? 2026 (specific date pending). Is it free-to-play? Likely on mobile; final monetization model TBA. Can I import my Pokemon? Yes — Pokemon Home transfers feed the Champions roster. What platforms? Switch 2, Switch, iOS, Android — all four day-one.