Pokémon Champions
News, coverage and analysis tracking Pokémon Champions across the outlets.
Latest coverage
List of every new Pokemon just added to Pokemon Champions for 1.2.0 update and Regulation M-C
Pokemon Champions has released its 1.2.0 update, introducing Regulation M-C and over two dozen new Pokemon, including Mega Evolution Z additions. The update also brings new items, avatar customization options, and upcoming Battle Passes. The game is available on Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms.
Pokemon Champions unlikely to get offline single player mode
Pokemon Champions director Masaaki Hoshino discussed the possibility of an offline single player mode, indicating it is unlikely to be implemented. While many players enjoy the current multiplayer experience, some have expressed a desire for a solo option.
As Pokemon devs hint that turn-based battles could be a thing of the past, Pokemon Champions lead says they'll…
Pokemon Champions co-directors Kazumasa Iwao and Masaaki Hoshino have discussed the future of the series' turn-based combat. While acknowledging experiments with real-time elements in titles like Pokemon Legends: Arceus, they emphasized that Pokemon Champions is designed to preserve the traditional turn-based system indefinitely. This focus on competitive battling through Pokemon Champions is seen as crucial for the longevity of the classic format.
Pokemon Champions dev explains why the game isn’t getting single-player modes
Masaaki Hoshino, director of Pokemon Champions, explained that the game will not be receiving single-player modes because the focus is on its competitive multiplayer experience. He believes adding single-player content would detract from the PvP focus and increase match times, which is counterproductive for a competitive game.
Here’s how Pokemon Champions’ new Z-Mega Evolutions will change the game
Pokemon Champions is introducing three new Z-Mega Evolutions from Pokemon Legends: Z-A on September 9th. The article analyzes Mega Absol Z, Mega Lucario Z, and Mega Garchomp Z, discussing their stats, abilities, and potential impact on the game's metagame, with mixed outlooks for each.
With Pokemon Bank's demise on the horizon, one modder makes their own adapter to move Pokemon from GBA to Switch…
With the impending shutdown of Pokemon Bank on February 26, 2027, a modder named Drewworks has created a functional adapter to transfer Pokemon from Game Boy Advance cartridges to the Nintendo Switch. This homebrew solution allows players to preserve their creatures from older generations, as Pokemon Bank will soon cease service, potentially stranding some Pokemon permanently on the Nintendo 3DS.
Here's every announcement from Pokémon World Championships
The Pokémon World Championships concluded with numerous announcements, including the animated film Pokémon: Wild Card and the stop-motion series Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu, both set for 2027. New Mega Evolutions are coming to Pokémon Champions and Pokémon Go, alongside updates for the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Unite. The event also crowned champions, with Vikram Thiagarajan winning the Video Game Senior Division.
Z Mega Evolutions arrive in Pokemon Champions
Pokemon Champions will receive a new season on September 9th, introducing Z Mega Evolutions. Despite a rocky launch, the developers are committed to adding new features to the free-to-start Pokemon battler.
Pokemon Champions announces Z Mega Evolutions support with Regulation Set M-C
Pokemon Champions will introduce support for Z Mega Evolutions with the upcoming Regulation Set M-C, beginning worldwide on September 9, 2026. This announcement was made during the 2026 Pokemon World Championships. The game is currently available on Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms.
Pokemon with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's combat sounds like a bonkers idea, but one fan's now given us a…
A fan has created a detailed animation showcasing how the Pokemon series might incorporate the unique combat system of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The fan-made video, which features timing-based prompts and dynamic camera work, has garnered significant attention online, sparking discussion about potential future combat mechanics in Pokemon games.
Pokémon Champions review: Peak monster battling
Pokémon Champions serves as a new arena for players aiming to become the best. The game focuses on monster battling mechanics.
Pokemon Winds and Waves might not have turn-based battles as Game Freak veteran hints the combat system "could…
Game Freak director Kazumasa Iwao has hinted that future mainline Pokemon games, such as Pokemon Winds and Waves, might gradually move away from traditional turn-based battles. While Pokemon Champions will preserve the current combat system for competitive play, Game Freak is exploring new battle formats for the main series. This experimentation is driven by a desire to innovate while respecting the series' long-standing battle mechanics.
Nintendo reveals Japan’s best-selling Switch 2 and Switch eShop games for first half of 2026
Nintendo has released its list of best-selling games in Japan for the first half of 2026 on both the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch platforms. Pokemon Pokopia topped the charts for the Switch 2, while Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream led sales on the original Switch. The lists feature a mix of new releases and enduring popular titles.
The Pokémon Company International Announces Champion of Champions Tournament Following Pokémon Champions Mobile App Launch
The Pokémon Company International has announced the Champion of Champions Tournament, a unique event featuring winners from various non-traditional disciplines competing in Pokémon Champions. The tournament will take place on July 29, 2026, in London, with the winner receiving a trip to the Pokémon World Championships and a charitable donation. The event aims to highlight the accessibility of Pokémon Champions, which is available on mobile and Nintendo Switch systems.
Pokémon Champions: Monthly Challenge Series June 2026 Concludes with Special Tyranitar Distribution
The Pokémon Champions Monthly Challenge Series for June 2026 has concluded, featuring Single Battles under Regulation M-B. Eligible participants who completed at least three battles can now claim rewards, including a special Tyranitar and 100 Quick Coupons. High-ranking players will also receive in-game Titles.
Pokémon Champions Hits 10 Million Downloads Worldwide
Pokémon Champions has surpassed 10 million downloads worldwide across mobile and Nintendo Switch platforms shortly after its mobile launch. To celebrate, developers are offering players 100 free Fast Coupons, redeemable via the in-game mailbox until August 31, 2026. The game features cross-platform battles and integration with Pokémon HOME.
Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift Codes — Complete Guide (June 2026)
This guide provides a comprehensive list of active and expired Mystery Gift codes for Pokémon Champions as of June 2026. It details how to redeem codes, lists current free gifts available through login bonuses and Pokémon HOME transfers, and offers advice on finding future codes from official sources.
Renewing the Novelty of Pokémon
This article argues that the most successful Pokémon games are those that introduce genuine novelty, rather than just adding more creatures or features. It highlights titles like Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Let's Go, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Detective Pikachu as examples of how the franchise has successfully rejuvenated its core experience to feel fresh. The piece suggests that while the traditional formula appeals to new generations, long-time fans need innovative approaches to rekindle their discovery.
Pokemon Champions dev explains why matches are so short
Masaaki Hoshino, producer of Pokemon Champions, explained the design choice for short, four-minute matches, a reduction from the five-minute goal and even shorter than Pokemon Unite's ten-minute matches. This was achieved by streamlining animations, simultaneous effects, and an early surrender option, aiming to keep players engaged in continuous battles. The game is available on Nintendo eShop and mobile platforms.
Evening Reading - June 17, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers several gaming news items including the launch of Pokemon Champions on mobile, Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions' early access, and Epic Games' stance on generative AI in Unreal Engine 6. It also notes the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 5's first new heist in years and the porting of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 to PlayStation consoles.
