Pokémon Champions Launches April 8th For Nintendo Switch, Free Switch 2 Patch Announced

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have announced Pokémon Champions will be available on Nintendo Switch beginning April 8th, 2026; a free Nintendo Switch 2 will also be up for download the same day, offering visual enhancements.

You can learn all the details below, or check out our past articles here.

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Pokémon Champions brings the core Pokémon battling experience to more players than ever before, with both Nintendo Switch and smartphone users able to enjoy strategic battles against each other featuring different Pokémon types, abilities and move selections.

The game also supports Pokémon HOME connectivity, allowing players to bring in qualifying Pokémon from previous games in the Pokémon RPG series and Pokémon GO. This integration ensures that Trainers can continue using their longtime partner Pokémon in new battles and events within Pokémon Champions.

Pokémon Champions will be the primary platform for the Video Game Championships at all Play! Pokémon Premier Events beginning with the Indianapolis Regional Championships beginning on May 29-31, the Turin Special Championships from June 6-7, the North America International Championships from June 12-14, and the Pokémon World Championships from August 28-30. More information on the transition can be found here.

Upgrade Pack Available at Launch

Additionally, the Pokémon Champions + Starter Pack bundle will also be available on April 8 on the Nintendo eShop. This bundle includes the base game and additional in‑game bonuses that support early progression.

Players on the Nintendo Switch 2 system can also look forward to enhanced visual performance through a free update available on April 8. Players will need to connect to the internet and download the update before playing.

Returning Mega-Evolved Pokémon

In Pokémon Champions, several Mega‑Evolved Pokémon make their appearance, including Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar and Mega Feraligatr. These Pokémon debuted in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and bring new abilities into Pokémon Champions. 

• Mega Meganium introduces the new Ability Mega Sol, which lets the Pokémon use its moves as if the weather were harsh sunlight.
• Mega Emboar’s Mold Breaker allows it to ignore opposing Abilities when using moves.
• Mega Feraligatr’s new Ability Dragonize converts its Normal‑type moves into Dragon‑type moves and boosts their power by 20%.

Overview Trailer: