Pokémon Champions launch brings 269 creatures to Switch: The new esports era explained
Nintendo is launching Pokémon Champions, a free-to-play battle simulator, on April 8, 2026, which will replace older titles as the mandatory hub for all official tournaments. The game will feature 269 standard Pokémon and 43 Mega Evolutions, and will be available on the Nintendo Switch and upcoming Switch 2.
Nintendo is overhauling its competitive gaming ecosystem with the launch of Pokémon Champions. The free-to-play battle simulator will replace older titles as the hub for official tournaments. The game launches on April 8, 2026, at 3:00 AM UTC on the Nintendo Switch and upcoming Switch 2. Players can transfer existing teams using the cloud-based Pokémon HOME service. The launch roster includes 269 standard Pokémon and 43 Mega Evolutions, with only fully evolved creatures permitted. A premium Starter Pack is available for expanded box storage and quality-of-life upgrades. The game will be used for the 2026 World Championships in San Francisco this August.
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