Read more about Pokémon Champions

Ready for the ultimate Pokémon experience?

Imagine it: one game in which everything revolves around pure, strategic Pokémon battles, anytime and anywhere. That is Pokémon Champions! This game title has been released on the Nintendo Switch and supported smart devices and brings back the classic battle experience. Think of familiar elements such as Pokémon types, abilities and moves, which together provide the strategic depth that Pokémon Trainers have become used to by now. Thanks to this game’s cross-platform functionality, you can take on players on both Nintendo Switch systems and smartphones and tablets. Whether you want to battle worldwide in Ranked Battles, prefer to play in a more relaxed way in Casual Battles or challenge friends and family in Private Battles, Pokémon Champions offers an option for every playstyle. In addition, the game is compatible with Pokémon HOME, the cloud service for Nintendo Switch, and supported smart devices. This allows you to use selected Pokémon from earlier games in the Pokémon series and from Pokémon GO, so that you can put together your ultimate team.

Different from other Pokémon games

Pokémon Champions feels like a breath of fresh air within the world of Pokémon games. Whereas previous titles often revolved around adventure, gyms and stories, this game deliberately chooses a different direction. Everything in Pokémon Champions is built around one central idea: the ultimate battle experience. In addition, this Pokémon game is clearly designed as a long-term platform. Instead of being replaced by a new title every few years, this is a game that remains and continues to develop. It is essentially the Pokémon variant of a live e-sports platform, fully focused on competitive play.

One place for all your battles

One of the biggest changes is that Pokémon Champions is the central place for all competitive battles. Whereas in the past you always needed the latest mainline game, such as Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, in order to take part in official competitions, that is now a thing of the past. Everything comes together in one game. Pokémon Champions functions as a true hub for competitive play, which means a major shift within the franchise.

Not traditional

What stands out immediately is that the game completely distances itself from the traditional adventure. No extensive storylines or world to explore, but a pure focus on battles. In that respect, Pokémon Champions is reminiscent of the classic Pokémon Stadium games, in which strategy and battles were central.

Strategy is key

That focus also makes the gameplay feel faster and more competitive. Fewer RPG elements and a greater emphasis on PvP make this the game for players who want to train their Pokémon with one goal: to use them in strategic battles against other players.

Familiar battle mechanics

What is unique about Pokémon Champions is that all the familiar battle mechanics come together in one game. Whereas elements such as Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax and Terastallization are normally spread across different generations, they are combined here. That is something we have not seen before in a Pokémon game and it opens the door to completely new strategies.

New team-building

Another interesting addition is the new team-building system, called Roster Ranch. Instead of only catching Pokémon, you can also recruit them. With choices that change daily, you are encouraged to experiment and try out new strategies.

A collection of earlier adventures

In addition, you can bring together Pokémon from different games. Via Pokémon HOME, you can bring in Pokémon from older titles and different generations, such as from Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, LeafGreen/FireRed and even Pokémon GO. This allows you to build a team that truly feels like a collection of all your earlier adventures.

A true cross-platform experience

Pokémon Champions also takes a step forward on a technical level. The game is designed as a cross-platform experience, allowing you to play on both the Nintendo Switch, the first version and the Switch 2, as well as on mobile devices. This makes the game more accessible than ever and ensures that you can battle anytime and anywhere.

Does this title have in-game purchases and do you need a Nintendo Online subscription?

Pokémon Champions is a free-to-play game from launch. In addition, if you want to play against each other or together online on your Nintendo Switch console, you need a Nintendo Online subscription. This subscription gives you access to online battles and other multiplayer functionality. Fortunately, such a subscription can be obtained quickly, easily and safely via Gamecardsdirect, the one-stop gift card shop.

What can you do with Victory Points?

Make use of Victory Points (VP) that you earn by winning battles. You use these points to build and adjust teams more quickly, but also to purchase other things in-game.

What you can buy with Victory Points (credits):

• Permanently unlock certain Pokémon
• Temporarily rent Pokémon (trial use)
• Adjust moves, teach/change them
• Optimise stats, such as EVs
• Change Abilities

The place where everything comes together

Pokémon Champions is the place where everything comes together for the ultimate Pokémon battle experience. Whether you are a seasoned Trainer or are just starting with competitive play, this game offers you all the tools to build your ideal team and refine your strategy. So what are you waiting for? Put your team together, take on the challenge and prove yourself in the world of Pokémon Champions.