Pokémon Champions
News, coverage and analysis tracking Pokémon Champions across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Does Pokemon Champions require Nintendo Switch Online?
Pokemon Champions does not require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online battles or use features like Pokemon Home. While the game is free-to-play, the official website indicates that a Nintendo Switch Online membership may be necessary for certain content, possibly including online competitions.
Pokemon Champions Battle Pass Season M-2 rewards leaked
Details regarding the Battle Pass Season M-2 rewards for Pokemon Champions have been leaked, seemingly datamined by ElChicoEevee. The current Season M-1 is expected to conclude on May 12th, with the next season anticipated to begin at least a month later. The leaked rewards include various in-game items, character skins, and new Pokémon like Skarmory, Kangaskhan, and Gengar.
Pokemon Champions next Battle Pass contents leak
Dataminer ChicoEevee has leaked the contents of the upcoming Season M-2 Battle Pass for Pokemon Champions, revealing all 50 levels of rewards ahead of its official launch. The leaked rewards include various in-game items, character customizations, and Mega Stones for Pokemon like Skarmory, Kangaskhan, and Gengar.
Pokemon Mystery Gifts Out Now! Are You Ready to Catch '... | TAG
Rockstar Games has been targeted by hackers who allegedly stole company data and are demanding a ransom. Separately, Pokemon Champions is offering free Mystery Gifts until August 2026, Dragon Age: Inquisition's servers are shutting down, and the developers of Graveyard Keeper 2 have denied using AI for its art. Additionally, a previously canceled Monster Hunter card has reappeared in Magic: The Gathering, and Epic Games is reportedly collaborating with Disney on a shooter featuring Disney characters.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (11th April)
Several Nintendo Life editors share their weekend gaming plans, including titles like Pokémon Champions, Batman: Arkham Knight, and the Double Dragon & Kunio-kun bundle. The passing of series creator Yoshihisa Kishimoto is also noted, prompting replays of his classic games.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – April 11, 2026 – Tomodachi Life and Pokemon Champions square off for first
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of April 11, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream taking the top spot based on pre-loads alone, with Pokemon Champions and its Starter Pack in second place. The charts detail the top 30 all-games and download-only titles, featuring a mix of new releases and evergreen bestsellers.
What we've been playing - "I do not have three thumbs, Nintendo"
Several individuals share their recent gaming experiences. Kelsey finds Pokémon Champions disappointing due to performance issues, while Marie celebrates a speedrun record for Jak and Daxter and enjoys Lego Batman: The Videogame. Bertie is focusing on Slay the Spire and warming to Luigi's Mansion 3 despite control scheme complaints. Matt is impressed by No Man's Sky's new creature-battling update, comparing it to Pokémon.
Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Pokémon Champions
Critics have shared their reviews for the new free-to-start battle game Pokémon Champions on Nintendo Switch. While praised for its accessibility and solid core mechanics, the game is criticized for convoluted monetization, performance issues, bugs, and a significant grind. Reviewers suggest the game has potential but requires substantial updates and additions to become a premier competitive Pokémon experience.
Pokemon Champions' launch was an unforced error
Pokemon Champions has launched as a buggy and unfinished free-to-play live service game. This launch is described as an unforced error, highlighting common issues with the genre.
All Free Mystery Gifts In Pokemon Champions
Pokemon Champions is offering several free in-game gifts for players on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. These include Dragonite, Machamp, and Raichu, along with Mega Stones and Quick Coupons, available through Mystery Gifts and online competitions until various dates in August and September 2026. Players can also obtain Mega Stones by transferring specific Pokemon from Pokemon Home.
Pokemon Champions matches end in draws when the timer runs out, and no one can decide if that's a good thing
Pokemon Champions has introduced a new rule where battles ending due to the timer now result in a draw, regardless of remaining Pokemon or HP. This change has sparked debate among players regarding its impact on competitive play and the game's overall balance.
Pokémon Champions Doubles battles: Best Pokémon to use
This guide provides recommendations for the best Pokémon to use in Doubles battles within Pokémon Champions. It highlights key Pokémon like Kingambit, Garchomp, Incineroar, Dragonite, and Torkoal, detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and strategic roles in 2v2 combat.
Pokémon Champions Singles battles: Best Pokémon to use
This guide provides recommendations for the best Pokémon to use in Pokémon Champions' Singles battles. It highlights Pokémon like Hippowdon, Garchomp, Meowscarada, Archaludon, Greninja, and Hydreigon, detailing their strengths and weaknesses. The article also emphasizes the importance of speed and strategic stalling in team composition.
Pokémon Champions Review So Far
Pokémon Champions is currently in need of significant evolution to reach its full potential. The review suggests the game requires further development to become a top-tier title.
Final Fantasy? GTA? Nope, It's Pokemon Bugging Out on S... | TAG
Several gaming news items are covered, including a bug in Pokemon Champions on the Nintendo Switch that requires undocking the system for proper resolution, the anime movie ChaO's unique take on The Little Mermaid, and Framework's concerns about the future of personal computing. Other topics include Marathon's high development budget, the possibility of Link speaking in the Legend of Zelda movie, and discussions around Grand Theft Auto 6's potential delay and pricing. Additionally, Amazon is ending support for older Kindles, a guide for Pokemon Champions' Pokédex is available, and reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Lite keyboard and Final Fantasy 14's upcoming expansion hints are discussed. Finally, Rhythm Heaven Groove has a confirmed summer release date, and Rust 2 is confirmed to not be in development.
All Free Mystery Gifts In Pokemon Champions
Pokemon Champions on Nintendo Switch is offering several free in-game gifts, including Dragonite and Machamp for early players, and a Gardevoir for participating in the Warm-Up Challenge online competition. Players can also obtain Mega Stones by transferring specific Pokemon from Pokemon Home.
Pokemon Champions Review - The Battle Frontier
Pokemon Champions aims to bring competitive Pokemon battling to a wider audience with a free-to-play model and streamlined mechanics. While the game offers improved transparency for complex mechanics and faster battles compared to mainline titles, its onboarding and recruitment systems fall short, creating an uneven experience for newcomers. Players with existing Pokemon Home collections have a significant advantage, potentially leaving new players at a disadvantage without external resources or significant dedication.
Pokémon Champions items tier list: Best ones to use
This guide provides a tier list for items in Pokémon Champions, categorizing them into S, A, and B tiers based on their in-game effects and utility. It details the best items for various situations, such as Sitrus Berry for healing and Focus Sash for offensive Pokémon, while also listing less effective options.
Review: Pokémon Champions (Switch) – The Most Accessible & Flawed Competitive Pokémon Has Ever Been
Pokémon Champions, a free-to-play competitive battling game for Nintendo Switch, simplifies training and team building but suffers from convoluted monetization and disappointing performance. While it makes competitive Pokémon more accessible by streamlining IVs, EVs, and move sets, its free-to-play model includes restrictive storage limits and costly recurring subscriptions for essential features. The game's technical issues, including poor frame rates on Switch, further detract from the experience, making it a flawed yet potentially evolving entry in the Pokémon franchise.
US: Nintendo Download for 10th April, 2026
Nintendo has announced its latest download lineup for the Nintendo Switch, featuring new releases and classic titles. New additions include Pokémon Champions, PAC-MAN, Mendel Palace, THE TOWER OF DRUAGA, and PRAGMATA. The update also highlights ongoing sales and rewards for Nintendo Switch Online members.
