Pokemon Champions: Platforms, Dates and VGC
Updated November 13, 2026 in Pokemon
On this page
Pokemon Champions is a free-to-play game built around Pokemon battles, with optional in-game purchases. It launched on Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2026 and on iOS and Android on June 17, 2026, with cross-play between all three. It is now the main game for the Video Game Championships at Play! Pokemon premier events.
Platforms and release dates
| Platform | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | April 8, 2026 | Also playable on Nintendo Switch 2 with a free visual performance update |
| iOS | June 17, 2026 | Free to play |
| Android | June 17, 2026 | Free to play |
A Champions + Starter Pack bundle was also sold on the Nintendo eShop at launch. If you play on a console, our Nintendo Switch platform page lists other games on the system.
What kind of game it is
Pokemon Champions is focused on battles. It uses the familiar types, Abilities and moves from the main series, and Mega Evolution is included.
Video Games Chronicle reported that The Pokemon Works develops the game, with GAME FREAK handling planning.
Cross-play and save data
Switch players and mobile players can battle each other. Your save data carries across devices as long as you log in with the same Nintendo Account, so you can switch between your Switch and your phone.
Pokemon HOME
Qualifying Pokemon can be brought into Champions from earlier RPGs and from Pokemon GO through Pokemon HOME. A Pokemon HOME link with Pokemon Legends: Z-A was also announced for later in 2026, with Chesnaughtite, Delphoxite and Greninjite as rewards. See our Legends: Z-A guide for more on that game.
VGC role
Pokemon Champions became the main game for the Video Game Championships (VGC) at Play! Pokemon premier events.
- First event: the Indianapolis Regional Championships, May 29 to 31, 2026.
- World Championships: it was used at the 2026 World Championships, held August 28 to 30.
Current competition
The November 2026 Monthly Challenge Series runs November 19 to 22, 2026 (Pacific time). It uses Single Battles and Regulation Set M-C.
Where Champions fits
Champions is a spin-off rather than a mainline RPG. You can see it alongside the other side games in our list of Pokemon spin-offs in order, or look it up in our games database under Pokemon Champions.
In this section
5 guides coming soon, published once we have verified every step.
- Beginner Tips
- Best Teams
- Tier List
- Ranked Battles Guide
- VGC Rules Explained
FAQ
Is Pokemon Champions free to play?
Yes. Pokemon Champions is free to play with optional in-game purchases.
Can Switch and mobile players battle each other in Pokemon Champions?
Yes. Switch and mobile players can battle each other, and save data carries across devices when you log in with the same Nintendo Account.
Does Pokemon Champions work on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch version is also playable on Nintendo Switch 2 with a free visual performance update.
Is Pokemon Champions used for VGC?
Yes. Pokemon Champions became the main game for the Video Game Championships at Play! Pokemon premier events, starting with the Indianapolis Regional Championships in May 2026, and it was used at the 2026 World Championships.
Sources
- Pokemon Champions Launches April 8 on Nintendo Switch, The Pokemon Company International (press site)
- Pokemon Champions Launches June 17 on iOS and Android Devices, The Pokemon Company International (press site)
- Pokemon Champions is available now on iOS and Android devices, Pokemon.com
- Pokemon Champions announced for Nintendo Switch and mobile, Video Games Chronicle
- Pokemon Continues 30th Celebrations with the Unveiling of Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves, the Newest Entries in the Pokemon Video Game Series, The Pokemon Company International (press site)
- Sign up for the Pokemon Champions Monthly Challenge Series November 2026, Pokemon.com
