Free Official Pokemon Game Gets Unexpected Launch Date

Pokémon Champions, the free-to-play Nintendo Switch and mobile game, has finally been given a release date.

Previously the freebie was slated for a 2026 launch sometime in April, but a brand-new overview trailer has revealed it’ll now drop on 8 April specifiically.

Alongside the release date also came a closer look at the gameplay, which Pokémon fans will recognise as just Pokémon battles without an open-world or story to follow. It’s a more simplistic experience for those who don’t want to catch-em-all or grind levels to improve their team.

Like previous titles Pokémon Champions will offer online multiplayer, with players being given the choice between three modes, Casual, Ranked and Private. It’ll also be supported at several real-life events moving forward, such as Play! Pokémon competitions.

The most exciting aspect of the game is it’ll support both Pokémon Go and Pokémon Home, meaning you’ll be able to transfer your own ‘mon as long as the game supports them.

It harkens back to the Pokémon Stadium/Pokémon Colossium games and will be a great way of sharpening your skills while we wait for another mainline game.

The only downside is it’s free-to-play, as that of course means it’ll be teeming with microtransactions. The extent of these in-game purchase is currently unknown but a god example comes in the form of a Starter Pack for the game.

Pokémon Champions- The Pokemon Company

By purchasing the Starter Pack you’ll receive expanded box space to store more Pokémon in, in addition to some in-game music and “tickets” which can be spent on items and services.

The wording used in the overview trailer also describes it as a “free-to-start” game, which feels like cause for concern.

Nevertheless this is an exciting development for the competitive Pokémon scene, and hopefully a new entry point for players looking to take their teams to the next level.

While playing the mainline games it’s easy to forget that Pokémon battles can the ultimate test in skill and strategy, as most of the AI opponents you’ll face in your adventures are pushovers.

It’s only when you take the battles online that an entirely new world is unveiled to you, so if you’re looking for a game to test your mettle Pokémon Champions might be the one for you.

Pokémon Champions launches on 8 April for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, and will hopefully be a solid time-waster while we wait for Pokémon Wind & Waves to launch next year.