Get ready for a brand-new Pokemon battle experience with *Pokemon Champions*, an upcoming competitive PvP game unveiled at the February 2025 Pokemon Presents event. Developed by The Pokemon Works with assistance from Game Freak, *Pokemon Champions* is set to launch on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, bringing cross-platform Pokemon battles to a wider audience than ever before. Here’s everything we know about *Pokemon Champions* so far, including thoughts on a potential release window, the latest trailer, and gameplay details.
Table of contents
- Pokemon Champions’ Potential Release Date Window
- Pokemon Champions Trailer Breakdown
- Gameplay & Features
Pokemon Champions’ Potential Release Date Window
Although an official release date for Pokemon Champions has not been announced, it is speculated that the game might hit the shelves sometime in 2026. This speculation stems from the game's trailer, which stated it's "now in development," similar to Pokemon Legends Z-A, scheduled for late 2025. To avoid overlapping with another major Pokemon title, it's reasonable to assume that The Pokemon Company and Nintendo will want to space out the releases, allowing Pokemon Champions to garner sufficient attention and excitement.
Related: Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?
Pokemon Champions Trailer Breakdown
The reveal trailer for Pokemon Champions may not show extensive gameplay, but it provides a glimpse into the game's aesthetic and tone. It begins with a nostalgic overview of Pokemon battling's evolution across Nintendo consoles before transitioning to a real-time battle between two players—one on a mobile device, the other on a Nintendo Switch. The setting is a massive, futuristic battle arena filled with cheering crowds and dazzling spotlights, lending the game an esports atmosphere.
The trailer's highlight is a dynamic showdown featuring Charizard and Samurott facing off against Dondozo and Aegislash in what appears to be a 1v1 or 2v2 format. The visuals promise high-energy spectacle, suggesting that battles in Pokemon Champions will boast more visual flair compared to those in Scarlet & Violet.
Related: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Can Fix One Major Gen IX Drawback
Gameplay & Features

Image Source: The Pokemon WorksWhile specifics are limited, Pokemon Champions is confirmed to focus exclusively on battles, eschewing traditional catching and exploration. Players will be able to connect to Pokemon Home, enabling them to bring their favorite Pokemon from past games into the competition. The cross-play functionality between Switch and mobile devices hints at a more accessible yet deeply competitive online experience.
With Game Freak's involvement in planning, Pokemon Champions could be a serious contender for a dedicated Pokemon esports title. Whether it will cater to casual fun or hardcore ranked battles is yet to be determined, but anticipation is high for the next trailer and, of course, that elusive release date.
Now you're up to speed with everything known about Pokemon Champions. For more Pokemon news, check out all of the Pokemon confirmed in Legends: Z-A so far, and discover what the "A" stands for in Pokemon Legends: Z-A to stay updated on essential trivia.