The Pokémon Company announced that Pokémon Champions will launch on iOS and Android devices on June 17, 2026. The mobile version arrives just over two months after the game debuted on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 on April 8, 2026. Pre-registration is now open on both the App Store and Google Play Store.
Cross-Platform Saves and Play Available at Launch
Players who have already battled on Nintendo consoles can continue their progress on mobile without starting over. After linking the mobile version to the same Nintendo Account, all save data carries over between platforms. The game supports full cross-platform play, meaning Switch users can battle against mobile players without any restrictions.
Free Raichu and Mega Stones for All Players
To celebrate the mobile launch, The Pokémon Company is giving away special rewards to every player who logs in during a limited window. From June 17, 2026 to September 2, 2026, players can claim Raichu, Raichunite X, and Raichunite Y from their in-game mailbox. This offer works for both the mobile version and the Nintendo Switch versions of the game.
The two Mega Stones allow Raichu to transform into its two new forms: Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y. These forms first appeared in Pokémon Legends Z-A and are now making their way into the competitive battling scene through Pokémon Champions. After the promotional period ends, the Mega Stones will become available through the in-game shop or other features at a later date.
What Is Pokémon Champions?
Pokémon Champions focuses entirely on competitive Pokémon battles. Unlike main series games that include story adventures, exploration, and catching mechanics, Champions strips everything down to just the fighting. Players build teams and battle against others online in several different modes.
The game offers three battle modes:
- Ranked Battles lets players compete against others at similar skill levels
- Casual Battles removes the ranking system for relaxed play
- Private Battles allows matches against friends
Players can choose between Single Battle and Double Battle formats. The game also connects with Pokémon HOME, allowing players to bring over Pokémon they have collected from other games like Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, and even Pokémon GO.
How Recruitment Works in Champions
Pokémon Champions uses two methods for adding Pokémon to a player’s team. Trial Recruitment lets players try out a Pokémon for a limited time to test strategies before committing. Permanent Recruitment uses Victory Points (VP) earned from Ranked Battles and other activities to add Pokémon to the team permanently. Players can also use VP to train their Pokémon, changing stats, moves, and abilities according to their preferences.
“Pokémon Champions is the new home for competitive Pokémon VGC, but its launch earlier this year left out some key parts of what we expected from the product. Today, we learned when two of those gaps are getting filled – on June 17, Champions comes to mobile, and the newly introduced Mega Raichu X and Y will be launching alongside it.” – Charles Harte, Game Informer
Mobile Launch Details and Availability
The mobile version arrives on June 17, 2026 for iOS devices through the App Store and for Android devices through the Google Play Store. Pre-registration opened on June 3, 2026. The game is free to start, though specific pricing details for full features have not been fully detailed by The Pokémon Company.
The Switch version of Pokémon Champions received mixed reviews at launch. Critics praised the battle system but noted that the surrounding package felt thin and inconsistent. The addition of mobile cross-play and new Mega Raichu forms aims to bring more players into the game.
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30th Anniversary Celebration Continues
Pokémon Champions’ mobile launch is part of the franchise’s larger 30th anniversary celebration in 2026. The anniversary has already brought official re-releases of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Switch, along with a reveal trailer for Generation 10 games titled Winds and Waves. A special 30th Celebration set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game is also scheduled for release in September 2026.
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Source: Pokémon on X (formerly Twitter)
