Pokémon Champions Update

Nintendo reveals Pokémon Champions for Switch 2 and mobile with a free to start model and a future paid version, shaping the 2026 competitive scene.

Pokémon Champions Arrives on Switch 2 With Free to Start Core and Paid Digital Version Planned

The World Championships stage a major reveal for Pokémon with Pokémon Champions. The game will release in 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, and it will serve as the official VGC software for Worlds next year. Players can move teams from Pokémon HOME into Champions, and cross platform play will let players compete on either Switch or mobile devices.

The plan also includes a free to start version at launch, with a paid digital version to follow. Cross platform support and HOME integration are highlighted on the official site, signaling a connected ecosystem that aims to keep the community active across devices and generations.

The pricing split reflects a broader trend in live service titles that aim to draw in players with free access while monetizing through optional upgrades. For players, the prospect of a paid version promises value if the upgrade adds meaningful features or balance. But it also raises questions about what counts as core content and how much players will be asked to pay to stay competitive in Worlds events. The choice to anchor competitive play in Champions signals a long term commitment that goes beyond a single game launch.

Highlights

Time will tell how the pricing split lands with fans and tournament organizers.