Pokemon Champions confirms April Switch launch and a 2026 mobile window with cross-game rewards
Pokemon Champions will arrive on Nintendo Switch in April and reach mobile devices later in 2026, the latest announcements revealed on Pokémon Day, the 27th, as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations. This battle-focused release promises familiar mechanics, deep Pokemon Home integration and an eye toward broad accessibility across platforms.
Pokemon Champions: platforms, timing and backwards compatibility
Pokemon Champions is set to launch on Nintendo Switch in April, with iOS and Android releases slated later in 2026. The release schedule was highlighted during a Pokémon Presents showcase tied to the 30th anniversary, and the title is expected to be backward compatible and playable on Nintendo Switch 2.
Core battle systems and modes in pokemon champions
pokemon champions is described as a battle-focused game that retains familiar mechanics while offering two formats and three battle modes. Trainers will be able to engage in both 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 battles, and the title aims to provide a variety of competitive options through those formats and modes.
Pokemon Home integration, cross-title transfers and Mega Stone rewards
The game supports importing Pokemon from Pokemon Home. Later in the year, Trainers will be able to connect Pokemon Legends: Z-A to Pokemon HOME; by linking Pokemon Champions to Pokemon HOME, Pokémon that appear in both titles can visit Pokemon Champions and fight alongside players as they pursue the title of Champion.
Additional in-game rewards will be claimable through transfers: by moving the Mega Stones’ corresponding Pokémon originally obtained in Pokemon Legends: Z-A into Pokemon HOME and then into Pokemon Champions, Trainers can obtain Chesnaughtite stone, Delphoxite stone, and Greninjite stone.
Customization, presentation and target audience
Pokemon Champions offers a significant number of options for customizing games, and the presentation included an entertaining trailer and an opening movie shown as part of the unveiling. The combination of a mobile release and the tone of the trailer indicates a design intent to reach all audiences without erecting barriers to entry.
Competitive plans and events
Pokemon Champions is expected to appear on the main stage for competitive events later in the year, with a planned presence at the Video Game Championships during the 2026 Pokemon World Championships in San Francisco. The announcements came from the publisher and developer during the showcase tied to the 30th anniversary celebration.
What to expect next
- April launch window for Nintendo Switch confirmed.
- iOS and Android releases scheduled later in 2026.
- Ability to import Pokemon from Pokemon Home and connect with Pokemon Legends: Z-A transfers for rewards.
- Backward compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2 expected.
- Trailer and opening movie released as part of the reveal; additional visuals were made available.
Details may continue to evolve as the April Switch launch approaches and mobile release plans are finalized over the course of 2026.
