'Pokémon Champions' Is Coming Soon — And You'll Be Able to Battle 'Em All

Every time a new game joins the Pokémon franchise, it goes through a cycle: cautious excitement, followed by skepticism, followed by rabid anticipation — and then either bliss or disappointment.

So, even though the upcoming game Pokémon Champions promises to be an ode to some of the best past games, it will likely have to run the same gamut.

Nonetheless, fans are cautiously optimistic as the upcoming game seems to combine favorite elements from the ghost of Pokémon past in a new setting with some new and exciting gameplay.

But when is its release date? Here's what we know about when Champions is expected to drop, as well as what the game will look like.

When it was announced that Pokémon Champions was coming, the usual fanbase was pretty stoked. After all, it's a return to the PvP stadium style game that has done so well in the franchise before.

But when exactly does the game drop? According to the Pokémon website, the game is slated for release in 2026. The site doesn't get any more specific than that, although a game trailer confirms the release year.

However, Insider Gaming has some insight that may provide a more specific release date.

In an article looking at the flurry of game releases expected in 2026 to celebrate the game franchise's 30th anniversary, the outlet noted, "A release window has not been confirmed for Pokémon Champions, but the Pokémon World Championships 2026 VGC section will be played on the title, so it will need to launch early enough in the year for players to get used to it and for any issues to be ironed out."

So, we can expect the game to drop likely early in 2026.

So, if we're looking at an early 2026 release for Champions, that's good news for eager fans. But what will the game itself look like? Luckily, the Pokémon website has plenty of information on that.

On the game's page, developers promise "everything you love about Pokémon battles all in one place." It's a new, battle-focused title that will offer familiar mechanics, including Pokémon types, abilities, and moves.

The game's site promises, "Compete against players from all over the world for the highest rank in Ranked Battles or for some easygoing fun in Casual Battles. If you’d rather play together with friends and family, you can have Private Battles, too!"

Additionally, a transferable Pokémon program will combine some of your current favorites with the new game setting: "You’ll also be able to bring in Pokémon from Pokémon HOME — meaning that you can battle with your own Pokémon from a variety of games, including Pokémon GO and Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet."

It sounds like it'll be well worth the wait, whatever that turns out to be. So, grab your Pokéballs, train your team, and get ready to bring the old favorites into the future.