Sooner than expected.
The wait for Pokémon Champions is almost over as we edge ever closer to its April 8, 2026 release. In the lead-up to launch, Nintendo has published a new overview trailer that showcases some of the features of the game. These features include how Pokémon HOME and Pokémon GO can be linked up to the game, customization options for your trainer, the types of battles you can have like single or double battle, how to recruit Pokémon to join your team temporarily in Pokémon Champions and the option to recruit them permanently using the in-game currency VP (Victory Points).
We should also point out that you can also alter your Pokémon’s stats and natures, as well as give them items to hold, to better improve your outcome in battles. The Pokémon Champions overview trailer does a pretty decent job of covering what you can expect from the game, although the thought of paid battle passes required for certain items and rewards is a bit of a concern. On the plus side, Pokémon Champions is free to start on mobile and Nintendo Switch, so that is one small benefit.
If you have yet to check out the overview trailer, you can see it right here:
Incidentally, following the news pertaining to Pokémon Champions, we have also learned that the likes of Mega Meganium gets a new ability. For the full breakdown of who gets what, we have it here:
- Mega Meganium: Mega Sol (New) – “Lets the Pokémon use its moves as if the weather were harsh sunlight”
- Mega Emboar: Mold Breaker
- Mega Feraligatr: Dragonize (New) – “Turns Normal-type moves into Dragon-type with a 20% boost”
- Mega Dragonite: Multiscale Mega
- Mega Froslass: Snow Warning
What are your thoughts on Pokémon Champions? Will you be picking it up day one, and on what platform will you be playing it on? Let us know in the comments!
About Pokémon Champions:
Pokémon battles for everyone!
Battle with Pokémon—including with Mega-Evolved Pokémon, like Mega Dragonite—against other players in the Pokémon™ Champions game—the same game that will be used for the Pokémon World Championships in 2026! These single and double battles use familiar mechanics from previous Pokémon series games such as Pokémon types, Abilities, and moves, enabling the rich and varied battle strategies you may already know and love.
Compete in Ranked Battles against players from all over the world*, or try Casual Battles for some easygoing fun. You can also have Private Battles with just your friends and family**.
Recruit Pokémon to join your team and train them to hone their skills
Before you venture into the world of Pokémon battles, try finding Pokémon to fight alongside you! Once per day, you can recruit Pokémon on a trial basis and use them in battle to see if they’re a good fit for your style. Once you’ve found a match, use your in-game Victory Points (VP) to bring Pokémon on to your team.
You can also use your VP to train the permanent members of your Pokémon squad. Hone their Attack, Defense, and other stats, and even alter their Abilities and moves to try out different strategies in battle!
Pokémon Champions will be compatible with Pokémon HOME***, the cloud service for the Nintendo Switch™ 2 and Nintendo Switch system, and mobile devices. That means, in addition to the Pokémon partners available in Pokémon Champions, you can also team up with certain Pokémon brought over from past Pokémon series games and Pokémon GO.
Every Nintendo Game, Application & DLC Releasing in 2026:
- (NS2) Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: January 15, 2026
- (NS2) Mario Tennis Fever | Release Date: February 12, 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Virtual Boy – Nintendo Classics | Release Date: February 17, 2026
- (NSW, NS2, Android & iOS) Hello, Mario! | Release Date: February 19, 2026
- (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: February 19, 2026 (Digital)
- (NSW & NS2) Pokémon FireRed Version | Release Date: February 27, 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Pokémon LeafGreen Version | Release Date: February 27, 2026
- (NS2) Pokémon Pokopia | Release Date: March 5, 2026
- (NS2) Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park | Release Date: March 26, 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Pokémon Champions | Release Date: April 8, 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream | Release Date: April 16, 2026
- (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Release Date: April 16, 2026 (Physical)
- (NS2) Yoshi and the Mysterious Book | Release Date: May 21, 2026
- (NS2) Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave | Release Date: 2026
- (NSW & NS2) Rhythm Heaven Groove | Release Date: 2026
- (NS2) Splatoon Raiders | Release Date: in Active Development
Every amiibo Releasing in 2026:
- Meta Knight & Shadow Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: March 5, 2026
- Ratha amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
- Ratha V amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
- Rudy amiibo (Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection) | Release Date: March 13, 2026
- Captain Toad & Treasure Tracker amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
- Elephant Mario amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
- Poplin & Prince Florian amiibo (Super Mario Bros. Wonder) | Release Date: March 26, 2026
- Mario and Luma amiibo (Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2) | Release Date: April 2, 2026
- Rosalina and Lumas amiibo (Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2) | Release Date: April 2, 2026
- Diana amiibo (PRAGMATA) | Release Date: June 11, 2026
- Grace Ashcroft amiibo (Resident Evil Requiem) | Release Date: Summer 2026
- Leon S. Kennedy amiibo (Resident Evil Requiem) | Release Date: Summer 2026
- Chef Kawasaki & Hop Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: 2026
- King Dedede & Tank Star amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | Release Date: 2026
- Mineru’s Construct amiibo (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) | Release Date: TBD
Source: Nintendo
