Yes. Pokémon Champions launched on Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2026, and is also supported on Nintendo Switch 2. It is a digital, free-to-start game centered on Pokémon battles—not a verified physical-cartridge release.
Which Nintendo consoles can play Pokémon Champions?
Nintendo lists the game as compatible with Nintendo Switch and supported on Nintendo Switch 2. Switch 2 owners can install a free update that improves the game’s visuals, according to Nintendo’s US product listing. Nintendo’s May 2026 investor presentation also confirms the April 8 release and availability on both console generations.
![Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Xn3ESPD6L._SL160_.jpg)
Nintendo announced the release on April 6, 2026, saying the free-to-start game would arrive two days later. Its announcement describes the title as focused on Pokémon battles: Nintendo’s April 6 announcement.
What kind of game is it?
Pokémon Champions is built around battling rather than presenting itself as a physical game purchase. Nintendo lists Ranked, Casual, and Private Battles. Ranked matches award Victory Points according to match outcomes; Private Battles can be played online or over local wireless. The battle systems draw on familiar Pokémon elements such as types, Abilities, moves, and Mega Evolution. Players can also recruit and train Pokémon, as described in the Nintendo listing.
#1 Best Overall
- Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack
Does it cost anything to start?
Nintendo describes the game as free to start, with optional in-game purchases. Paid options include a Premium Battle Pass and membership purchasable in-game. Nintendo Support also lists a Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack bundle available through the eShop on Switch and Switch 2. The bundle includes storage for 50 additional Pokémon, 30 Teammate Tickets, 50 Training Tickets, and a song from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!. These contents are described on Nintendo Support’s downloadable content page. The official pages cited here do not establish a current price for every region.
Can you use Pokémon from other games?
Some Pokémon can be brought into Pokémon Champions through Pokémon HOME, including eligible Pokémon from earlier games and Pokémon GO. Transfer eligibility is limited: a Pokémon must be able to appear in Champions to visit. Pokémon first obtained in Champions cannot be transferred back to HOME. See Nintendo’s product listing and The Pokémon Company’s announcement for those limits.
Rank #2
- Take the battle anywhere and challenge anyone with Pokkn Tournament DX, an intense one-on-one Pokmon fighting game on Nintendo Switch
- Let the fighting commence in TV mode, handheld mode or share a Joy-Con controller with another trainer to battle one-on-one in tabletop mode anywhere
- Decidueye enters the battle as a new fighter with litten and popplio making their debut to lend their support in battle
- Compete in team battle mode, group match mode and daily challenges to prove youre the utmost fighter
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
What do you need for online play, and which update is current?
Nintendo’s US listing says online features require Internet access and a Nintendo Account. Nintendo Support says the game must be updated to use its Internet features. The support history lists version 1.2.2, released October 6, 2026, as the latest update in that history; it contains bug fixes. Check Nintendo Support’s update instructions and version history for the current status, since this can change.
For a regional detail, Nintendo UK’s listing says broadband Internet is required for online services and that the software does not support Nintendo Switch Online Save Data Cloud backup. Those statements are from the UK listing and should not be assumed to describe every region’s store wording: Nintendo UK’s product page.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one!
Rank #3
- Revisit the Sinnoh region from the original Pokémon Pearl Version game and set off to try and become the Champion of the Pokémon League
- The Pokémon Shining Pearl game brings new life to this remade classic with added features
- Explore the Grand Underground to dig up items and Pokémon Fossils, build a Secret Base, and more.
- Test your style and rhythm in a Super Contest Show
- A reimagined adventure, now for the Nintendo Switch system
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