Pokémon Champions
News, coverage and analysis tracking Pokémon Champions across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Pokemon Champions launches 17th June on iOS and Android
The Pokémon Company International announced that the free-to-play game Pokémon Champions will launch on iOS and Android on June 17, 2026, with pre-registration available now. The game will feature cross-platform play between mobile devices and Nintendo Switch systems, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Players can receive special in-game rewards like Raichu and Mega Stones upon launch.
Pokémon Champions Launches On Mobile This Month, With A Special Distribution To Celebrate
Pokémon Champions is launching on iOS and Android on June 17th, with cross-save support for Nintendo Switch players. To celebrate, all players who log in between the mobile launch and September 2nd will receive a special Raichu with its two Megastones.
Pokémon Champions Launches June 17 on iOS and Android, Pre-Registrations Open
Pokémon Champions is launching on iOS and Android on June 17, 2026, with pre-registrations now open. Players can link their Nintendo account for saved data transfer from the Nintendo Switch version. The game will feature Pokémon battles, including ranked matches against global trainers, and will be developed by The Pokémon Works with Game Freak planning the project.
Pokemon Champions for iOS, Android launches June 17
The free-to-play Pokemon battle game, Pokemon Champions, is set to launch on June 17 for iOS and Android devices. The game will be available through the App Store and Google Play.
The Pokémon Company International Announces Mobile Release Date for Pokémon Champions and Unveils New In-Game Features
The Pokémon Company International announced that Pokémon Champions will launch on iOS and Android devices on June 17, 2026, with preregistration now open. The game will feature a special in-game campaign with Raichu and introduce Mega Evolution mechanics for Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y. Pokémon Champions supports cross-platform play between Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
Pokemon Champions mobile version launches this month
The Pokemon Company and The Pokemon Works have announced that Pokemon Champions will launch for iOS and Android on June 17th. The multiplayer-focused Pokemon battling game was previously released on Nintendo Switch in April. The mobile version will feature Ranked, Casual, and Private Battles, and allow players to link with Pokemon HOME.
Pokemon Champions confirms mobile release date, Raichu distribution announced with Raichunite X and Raichunite Y Mega Stones
Pokemon Champions will launch on iOS and Android on June 17, 2026, with pre-registration opening today. The game is already available on Nintendo Switch. A special distribution event will also feature a Raichu with exclusive Mega Stones, Raichunite X and Raichunite Y, available from June 17 to September 2.
Pokemon Champions dev explains the limited roster and comments on timing to bring new Pokemon to the game
Masaaki Hoshino, producer of Pokemon Champions, explained that the limited initial roster was to make the game more understandable for new players. He confirmed that more Pokemon and changes to held item restrictions are planned for summer, approximately three months after launch. Future updates will continue to add content gradually, with a focus on ease of understanding, especially with the upcoming smartphone version.
New Limited-Time Pokémon Champions Distribution Now Available
The Pokémon Company has launched a new limited-time distribution event for Pokémon Champions on Nintendo Switch. Players can redeem the code DRAG0NDANCEPTC26 before May 31st, 2026, to receive a special "Gyarados the Festive" with a unique moveset and ability.
Pokemon Champions gets new distribution, first one with a title included
Pokemon Champions players can now redeem a new Mystery Code to receive a level 50 Gyarados with specific moves and the Intimidate Ability. This distribution celebrates the Pokemon Trainers Cup and is the first to include a title. The code is active until May 31, 2026, and the game is available on Nintendo Switch with a mobile version planned.
Dragonite and the Special Delivery Pokemon Anime Episode Debuts in English
The English version of the Pokemon anime special episode "Dragonite and the Special Delivery" is now available on YouTube. This nearly 14-minute short follows Hana, an aspiring Pokemon mail carrier, and her partner Fuecoco as they deliver a mysterious, unaddressed letter. The episode was animated by Comix Wave Films, known for "Your Name" and "Suzume."
Pokemon Champions producer explains how they decide which Pokemon to include
Pokemon Champions producer Masaaki Hoshino explained in an interview that Game Freak's Shigeki Morimoto is consulted on which Pokemon are included in the game. The development team prioritizes Pokemon that are easy for new players to understand and battle with, with plans to carefully introduce mechanics like Mega Evolutions and Terastallization.
Pokemon Champions producer on how the team is deciding which Pokemon to include in the game and more
Pokemon Champions producer Masaaki Hoshino discussed the game's development, including the criteria for selecting which Pokemon are included and how special mechanics like Mega Evolutions and Terastallization will be implemented. The team is prioritizing ease of understanding for new players, with a focus on Pokemon that clearly demonstrate battle strengths. The game is available on Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo hints at even more Switch 1 games to expand ‘software business’
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa indicated that the company plans to expand its software business by continuing to support the original Nintendo Switch alongside the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This strategy aims to leverage the existing player base of the original console, with only 40% of Tomodachi Life players owning a Switch 2, suggesting a significant market remains for Switch 1 titles.
Nintendo Download – May 14, 2026 (North America) – Outbound, Sektori, Smalland, more
The North American Nintendo Download for the week of May 14, 2026, features new releases on the Nintendo eShop including Outbound, Sektori, and Smalland: Survive the Wilds. The Pokémon Champions game is also running a new season until June 16, offering rewards like Gengar and its Mega Stone. Additionally, Nintendo is highlighting various eShop sales for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Pokemon Champions is missing this key feature
Pokemon Champions currently lacks the popular 6v6 single battle format, a staple in most mainline Pokemon games. While other features are expected to be added over time, the inclusion of this specific battle ruleset is not guaranteed. The article discusses the reasons behind its absence, primarily the longer battle times compared to the official double battle format, and suggests it should at least be an optional mode for players.
Video: European eShop highlights – April 2026
Nintendo released a video highlighting European digital game releases for April 2026, featuring titles such as Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Pragmata, and Pokemon Champions. The company also directs users to a hub for tracking their digital releases.
This Pokemon Champions Addition Should Be A Huge Help To Casual Players
Pokemon Champions has introduced a new Special Roster for the Global Challenge 2026 event, featuring 31 popular Pokemon to help casual players build competitive teams. This update aims to make the game more accessible by providing easier access to meta-relevant Pokemon. The event runs until May 4, with the actual competition starting April 30, offering Venusaur as a participation prize.
Pokemon Champions producer says we “tried to do our best”
Pokemon Champions launched on Nintendo Switch with apparent issues regarding animation, bugs, and missing content, leading to significant player discourse. The producer stated that the team "tried to do their best" in response to the criticism.
Assassin's Creed Hexe loses another game director, and it's the second one this year
Assassin's Creed Hexe has lost its second game director this year, Benoit Richer, who has departed Ubisoft to co-found a new indie studio. This follows the earlier departure of creative director Clint Hocking, with Jean Guesdon taking over as creative director. Separately, The Pokémon Company's Masaaki Hoshino addressed criticisms of Pokémon Champions' graphics, citing development limitations compared to previous titles like Pokkén Tournament.
