Pokémon Champions Launches on Switch with Free‑to‑Start Model

Pokémon Champions, the franchise’s first free‑to‑start battle‑focused title, officially opened on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on April 8, 2026. The worldwide rollout staggered by time zone, with U.S. players receiving access at 11 p.m. Eastern (8 p.m. Pacific).

The game transfers Pokémon from Home, allowing Mega Evolutions, Gigantamax forms and the new Terastal mechanic, though the initial roster is limited to roughly 200 species. Developers have promised continual updates, aiming eventually to host the entire Pokédex.

Unlike the mainline series, Champions adopts a subscription‑free model; players can download the base game at no cost and purchase Battle Passes or cosmetic items. Early reactions on Reddit praise the lower barrier to competitive play and suggest the title may become the primary PvP hub, potentially reshaping how future Pokémon titles are monetized.