Pokemon Champions releases on April 8 for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

The Pokemon Company has announced that Pokemon Champions will launch on April 8 for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 with the mobile release to follow in summer.

While the game will be free, there will be a Starter Pack bundle releasing on that day with added Pokemon storage space, an extra battle song, and more. Switch 2 players will get a free upgrade providing clearer graphics. Today's release date has more Pokemon Home connectivity information. You can find those details, a new overview trailer, and more from The Pokemon Company below:

Get ready for intense Pokémon battles! Pokémon Champions arrives on Nintendo Switch on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack bundle will also be available that day. This bundle includes the base game along with in-game benefits like added Pokémon storage space, an extra battle song, and more. Nintendo Switch 2 players will be able to download a free update to the game that allows you to enjoy the action with even clearer graphics.

In Pokémon Champions, you’ll engage in Pokémon battles like those in previous Pokémon titles. These battles will utilize familiar mechanics such as Pokémon types, Abilities, and moves, enabling the rich and varied battle strategies that players know and love. A mobile version of Pokémon Champions is also on the way, and you’ll be able to battle cross-platform between Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Pokémon Champions will also link with Pokémon HOME, allowing players to team up with certain Pokémon brought over from past Pokémon series games and Pokémon GO.

Among the Pokémon that will appear in Pokémon Champions are Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar, and Mega Feraligatr, who all originally appeared in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. After undergoing Mega Evolution, some of these Pokémon will have never-before-seen Abilities in Pokémon Champions.

Mega Meganium will have the newly discovered Ability Mega Sol, which lets the Pokémon use its moves as if the weather were harsh sunlight. Mega Emboar has the Mold Breaker Ability, which causes its moves to be unaffected by the Ability of the target. Mega Feraligatr’s newly discovered Ability Dragonize turns Normal-type moves into Dragon-type moves and boosts their power by 20%.

Whether you’re looking to reach the top in Ranked Battles or enjoy some easygoing Casual Battles, Pokémon Champions will deliver plenty of fun when it arrives for Nintendo Switch on April 8