Pokémon Champions reveals second trailer and confirms release window

A second trailer for the upcoming battle-focused game Pokémon Champions was revealed during a “Pokémon Presents” broadcast earlier this week.

The new trailer provided the first in-depth look at the game’s core gameplay loop and confirmed its release window.

Pokémon Champions is a dedicated platform for Pokémon battles, allowing players to compete using both the “Mega Evolution” and “Terastallization” mechanics.

While it was previously known that players could transfer their own Pokémon into the game via Pokémon HOME, this new trailer detailed how players can acquire and train Pokémon directly within the game itself.

Players will earn a currency called “Victory Points” (VP) by participating in ranked battles and other matches.

These points can then be used in a “Scout” system to recruit new Pokémon to their team.

Two different methods of scouting will be available.

A “Trial Scout” can be used once per day for free, allowing players to temporarily recruit a Pokémon to test out its abilities and synergy.

A “Regular Scout” uses VP to permanently add a Pokémon to the player’s roster.

VP can also be used in a “Training” system, which allows players to easily customize their Pokémon’s stats, abilities, and movesets.

This system is designed to make it simple for players to experiment with a wide variety of battle strategies without a significant time investment.

The developers have confirmed that Victory Points must be earned through gameplay and cannot be purchased directly with real money.

The game will feature both ranked matches for competitive play and private matches for battling with friends.

Pokémon Champions is a download-only, cross-platform title scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices in 2026.

It was also confirmed that the game will be playable on the new Nintendo Switch 2.

Following the game’s release, it will likely join other games, including Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon GO, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game in determining a World Champion at the annual Pokémon World Championship events.