Get ready for a fresh take on Pokémon battles with Pokémon Champions, a competitive PvP game unveiled during the February 2025 Pokémon Presents.
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Created by The Pokémon Works with assistance from Game Freak, the game will launch on Nintendo Switch and mobile, introducing cross-platform Pokémon battles to a broader audience than ever.
Covering potential release timing, the newest trailer, and gameplay details, here’s the latest on everything we currently know about Pokémon Champions.
Table of contents
Pokémon Champions’ Potential Release Date WindowPokémon Champions Trailer BreakdownGameplay & Features
Pokémon Champions’ Potential Release Date Window
Although an official release date hasn’t been confirmed, we predict Pokémon Champions will likely arrive sometime in 2026.
The trailer mentioned the game is “now in development,” while Pokémon Legends Z-A, featured in the same event, is scheduled for late 2025. For this reason, we assume The Pokémon Company will avoid releasing Champions too close to another major adventure title.
To maximize attention for Pokémon Champions, it’s likely Nintendo and The Pokémon Company will space out its release following Z-A.
Related: Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Pokémon Champions Trailer Breakdown
The reveal trailer doesn’t show much gameplay but captures the game’s visual style and atmosphere. It begins with a nostalgic recap of Pokémon battle evolution across Nintendo systems, then transitions to a real-time battle—one player on mobile, the other on Nintendo Switch.
The scene is set in a futuristic stadium filled with cheering spectators and brilliant spotlights, giving the game a grand, esports-like feel.
A standout moment features Charizard and Samurott facing off against Dondozo and Aegislash—possibly in 1v1 or 2v2 format. The dynamic and vibrant visuals suggest battles in Pokémon Champions will be more visually striking than those in Scarlet & Violet.
Related: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Can Fix One Major Gen IX Drawback
Gameplay & Features
Though information is limited, Pokémon Champions is confirmed to focus purely on battles—not traditional catching or exploration. Players can connect to Pokémon Home and bring their favorite Pokémon from previous games into the action.
Cross-play between Switch and mobile points to an online experience that’s both accessible and deeply competitive.
With Game Freak contributing to the planning, Pokémon Champions could emerge as a dedicated Pokémon esports title. Whether it leans toward casual fun or hardcore ranked battles is unknown, but all eyes are now on the next trailer—and, of course, the as-yet-unconfirmed release date.
Now that you’re up to speed on Pokémon Champions, check out all the Pokémon confirmed for Legends: Z-A so far. For even more background, learn what the “A” stands for in Pokémon Legends: Z-A to stay informed on key details.
