Pokemon Champions is set to completely transform the game’s competitive VGC scene, but both established players and newcomers are curious about the game’s monetization system, platforms, and free-to-play offering.
While Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were lambasted at launch, the games have proven to be some of the most engaging in franchise history. The best demonstration of this is the growth of the competitive scene. While pro Pokemon was long just a niche curiosity, it now stands as a legitimate esports title.
That rapid growth likely inspired The Pokemon Company to finally take competitive Pokemon seriously. It’s set to do so with a dedicated game, Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon Champions will not have all Pokemon
Not all Pokemon will be available for use in Pokemon Champions. This was confirmed on the official Pokemon website when detailing the game’s Pokemon HOME compatibility.
“Transferrable Pokémon will be limited to those that appear in Pokémon Champions. Look forward to cross-platform battles alongside your favorite Pokémon on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, with a variety of different modes available for your desired experience,” the website reads.
It’s unknown how many different Pokemon will be available for use in Pokemon Champions. While Pokemon fans would likely prefer all Pokemon to be available in some capacity, it also makes sense to have a limited number available in the game.
A significant majority of Pokemon are unusable or nearly unusable in competitive battles. While there’s abundant social media content about using Pokemon like Taillow or Magikarp to win battles, there’s little reason for these sorts of Pokemon to be brought into the game.
It’s also likely that certain Pokemon will be cycled in and out of official competitive formats. Since the introduction of official competition, not all Pokemon have been available for use. Mythical Pokemon like Mew and Arceus are typically banned, and legendary Pokemon like Mewtwo and Kyogre are only permitted in certain formats.
Expect a limited number of Pokemon to be available in the game initially, then more to be added as formats change.
Pokemon Champions will have mega evolution, Z-moves, Terastalization, and more
Pokemon Champions is set to combine all the generational battle mechanics from previous Pokemon games including mega evolution, Terastalization, Z-moves, and Dynamaxing.
The game was revealed during the Pokemon Day 2025 event, closing on the scene of a Mega Charizard X battling a Terastalized Dondozo. This showed that the game would mix battle mechanics in ways that players haven’t experienced before, but it’s not stopping there.
Among the marketing materials was the reveal of an item called the Omni Ring. This item prominently features the symbols for mega evolution and Z-moves, but fans can also spot pieces of the symbols for both Dynamax Pokemon and Terastalization.
This effectively confirms that mega evolution, Terastalization, Z-moves, and Dynamaxing will all be possible in Pokemon Champions. Don’t necessarily expect to do all of them all the time, though. Odds are that these different mechanics will be cycled in and out of use.
All details on Pokemon Champions platforms
Pokemon Champions is confirmed for release on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and mobile devices.
Bringing Pokemon Champions to mobile devices will likely accelerate the growth of competitive Pokemon play. While competitive play has grown generally, official tournaments have been exclusive to those playing the games on the Nintendo Switch, 3DS, or DS. That will change with Pokemon Champions. Players will be able to enjoy the full competitive experience on mobile devices and play against opponents on Nintendo consoles.
There is no word on Pokemon Champions being released on PC. While the game would be a good fit for the PC, there’s no indication that this will happen. There’s room for hope with Pokemon TCG Live being available on PC, but fans shouldn’t necessarily expect it any time soon.
Is Pokemon Champions free-to-play?
Pokemon Champions will be free-to-play with some optional paid offerings.
The base version of the game will be available for free on mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. It will also have a “starter pack bundle” available to purchase.
The biggest potential expense for players is a Pokemon HOME subscription. While Pokemon HOME can be used for free to both move Pokemon between games and obtain some exclusive shinies, the free version can only hold 30 Pokemon at a time. For players who want a variety of Pokemon available in Pokemon Champions, a HOME subscription will be invaluable.
Pokemon HOME subscriptions cost $2.99 per month, $4.99 for three months, and $15.99 per year. While this is a lower price than many other game-specific subscriptions, it is a cost that the most serious players will have to cover.
Will Pokemon Champions have cross-play?
Pokemon Champions will support both cross-play and cross-progression across Nintendo Switch hardware and mobile devices.
Nintendo is notorious for its clumsy handling of online services and multiplayer. From its antiquated friend code system to Super Smash Bros Ultimate’s painfully laggy matchmaking experience, the company has struggled at every turn.
Pokemon is the rare exception to this. Through Pokemon Trainer Club accounts, The Pokemon Company and its partnered developers have effectively integrated cross-compatibility into Pokemon Unite, Pokemon TCG Live, and Pokemon HOME. Players are also able to link their Pokemon Trainer Club accounts to Pokemon GO to send their captured Pokemon into Pokemon HOME. Even Pokemon TCG Pocket has functionality with Pokemon Trainer Club accounts for yet-to-be-revealed features.
With that in mind, it’s little surprise that Pokemon Champions will have full cross-play and cross-compatibility. This will allow players to enjoy the competitive experience on the go or at home on their TV.
Pokemon Champions release date information
Pokemon Champions will be released at some point between January and August 2026.
Officially speaking, Pokemon Champions only has a 2026 release window. However, at the 2025 Pokemon World Championship, it was officially confirmed that Pokemon Champions will be the game used for VGC competition at the 2026 Pokemon World Championship.
The 2026 Pokemon World Championship is scheduled to begin on August 28, 2026. This means that Pokemon Champions will be available before that date.
