The Pokémon Company International has shared a new trailer for Pokémon Champions, which is out on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch next week.
“Welcome to the world of Pokémon!” the trailer opens. “The mysterious creatures known as Pokémon live in all sorts of places. Both out in nature and here in our cities – Pokémon truly are everywhere! Pokémon love to compete with each other and battle alongside people. And this is where the best come to battle: the Battle Arena in the city of Frontier.
“Within this arena, Pokémon Trainers face each other in fierce battles day and night. Trainers who battle their way to the top in the Battle Arena are known as Pokémon Champions! This title is revered throughout Frontier… and indeed throughout the entire world! Who will be next to claim the title and the crown alongside it? Meet your destiny in the Battle Arena! Become the strongest Trainer of all!”
Pokémon Champions brings the core Pokémon battling experience to more players than ever before, with both Nintendo Switch and smartphone users able to enjoy strategic battles against each other featuring different Pokémon types, Abilities and move selections.
The game also supports Pokémon HOME connectivity, allowing players to bring in qualifying Pokémon from previous core titles and Pokémon GO. This integration ensures that Trainers can continue using their longtime partner Pokémon in new battles and events within Pokémon Champions.
Pokémon Champions will be the primary platform for the Video Game Championships at all Play! Pokémon Premier Events beginning with the Indianapolis Regional Championships from 29-31 May, the Turin Special Championships from 6-7 June the North America International Championships from 12-14 June and the Pokémon World Championships from 28-30 August. More information on the transition can be found here.
Upgrade Pack Available at Launch
Additionally, the Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack will also be available on 8 April. This bundle includes the base game and additional in‑game bonuses that support early progression.
Players on the Nintendo Switch 2 console can also look forward to enhanced visual performance through a free update available from 8 April. Players will need to connect to the internet and download the update before playing.
Returning Mega-Evolved Pokémon
In Pokémon Champions, several Mega‑Evolved Pokémon make their appearance, including Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar and Mega Feraligatr. These Pokémon debuted in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and bring new Abilities into Pokémon Champions.
- Mega Meganium introduces the new Ability Mega Sol, which lets the Pokémon use its moves as if the weather were harsh sunlight.
- Mega Emboar’s Mold Breaker allows it to ignore opposing Abilities when using moves.
- Mega Feraligatr’s new Ability Dragonize converts its Normal‑type moves into Dragon‑type moves and boosts their power by 20%.
Pokémon Champions will be released digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch worldwide on 8 April 2026, with the mobile version to be released “later this year.”
