Pokémon Champions explained: release date, free to play, available Pokémon, and more

The Pokémon Company has officially announced a brand-new Pokémon video game for the Nintendo Switch and iOS/Android: Pokémon Champions. What is Pokémon Champions about, and when will it be released? Find out everything in our article!

Published on: 27-02-2025 Author: Lennart

What is Pokémon Champions?

Pokémon Champions is a brand-new battle simulation game for the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices (iOS/Android). The game includes battle elements from other Pokémon games, such as Mega Evolution and Terastallization. It focuses on Pokémon battles as we know them from the core Pokémon games and is designed to make battling trainers from around the world more accessible on both Switch and mobile.

Pokémon Champions release date

Unfortunately, there is no current release date for Pokémon Champions. The Pokémon Company has revealed that the release date will be announced at a later time, so we’ll have to stay tuned for further updates.

Is Pokémon Champions free to play?

Most likely, yes. Although there is no official confirmation on whether Pokémon Champions will be free to play, we can infer this from the fact that all other Pokémon games released on mobile have been free to play. For example, Pokémon UNITE, which is also available on both Switch and mobile, is free to play. It seems likely that Pokémon Champions will follow the same model.

Who is developing Pokémon Champions?

Pokémon Champions is being developed by The Pokémon Works, a company established in March 2024 as a joint venture between The Pokémon Company and ILCA to assist with the production of Pokémon games. The planning for the game is in the hands of Game Freak, the developer of the mainline Pokémon games.

Pokémon Champions and Pokémon HOME compatibility

Pokémon Champions will connect to Pokémon HOME, meaning you can transfer your Pokémon from other Pokémon games to use in Pokémon Champions. However, there are some limitations: not all Pokémon available in Pokémon HOME will be compatible with Pokémon Champions. Additionally, Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Champions cannot be deposited in Pokémon HOME.

Which Pokémon are in Pokémon Champions?

We don’t have a full list of available Pokémon yet, but these have been confirmed through their appearance in the reveal trailer:

Dondozo
Charizard + Mega Charizard
Pikachu
Hisuian Samurott
Aegislash
Gardevoir
Lucario

Get Ready for Pokémon Champions with an eShop Card or Google and Apple Credit

Ready to become a true Pokémon Champion? Pick up one of our official eShop Cards, Google Play Gift Cards, or Apple Gift Cards and get ready to dive into the action!

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Variable Google Play gift code £10-100

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About the author: Lennart is a self-proclaimed Pokémon Master and certified tryhard in shooters ranging from COD and Halo to Overwatch and Fortnite. When he's not gaming, he's either reciting movie lines or enjoying guitar-infused music.