A recent leak on Reddit has revealed major details about Pokémon Champions, an upcoming game set to launch on January 23, 2026. The title marks a significant shift in the series, introducing new game modes, mechanics, and a competitive structure that replaces traditional ranked battles.
Free-to-Play Launch with Expansive Content
- Pokémon Champions will be available as a free digital download on Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, as well as mobile devices.
- 350 Pokémon will be available at launch, with more added each season.
- Pokémon Home compatibility will be available from day one.
New Battle Modes and Seasonal Progression
The game introduces Ranked, Casual, and a Battle Frontier-style mode that features tiered challenges. Ranked seasons will last 2–3 months, each with their own regulation rules.
- Ranked mode will not support rental teams.
- Battle difficulty scales over time, with opponents' Pokémon leveling up as players progress.
- Special challenge types include:
- Level 50 / Level 100 battles
- Type-restricted or Dynamax-only modes
- A Nuzlocke-style mode where fainted Pokémon are locked until a tier boss is defeated. Healing is restricted until players win 10 consecutive battles—every 10th being a boss-like NPC or Gym Leader.
Currency, Victory Points, and Customization
Players will earn two types of in-game rewards:
- Currency, which can be spent on cosmetics like trainer outfits, stadium skins, Pokémon clothes, and exclusive held items.
- Victory Points (VP), earned through wins and spent on healing items and general held items.
Additionally, currency can be purchased with real money, but VP must be earned in-game.
Dynamic Challenges and Replacing Competitive Mode
- NPCs and Gym Leaders will rotate each season.
- Special timed challenges with exclusive rewards will be featured.
There will be no traditional competitive battle mode in Generation 10. Instead, Pokémon Champions serves as a new competitive platform to allow the mainline games to become more expansive, graphically impressive, and mechanically refined.
Revealed during the February 2025 Pokémon Presents showcase, Pokémon Champions is a brand-new PvP-focused title launching on Nintendo Switch and mobile, offering fans a return to the roots of classic trainer battles.
Developed with a clear emphasis on competitive play, Pokémon Champions aims to spotlight the battle systems that defined the core Pokémon RPGs, while modernizing the experience for a new generation of players. Think of it as a spiritual successor to Pokémon Stadium, but fully integrated with current ecosystems and cross-platform functionality.
A New Era of Trainer Battles
The announcement trailer hinted at various special moves and trainer abilities, suggesting that Pokémon Champions may feature more advanced combat mechanics than past PvP experiences. Though details are still limited, the game appears to place emphasis on strategic depth and global competition.
“It will see you pitting your skills against those of other trainers from around the world,” said Takato Utsonomiya, COO at The Pokémon Company.
One of the most exciting features is the ability to import Pokémon from across console generations via Pokémon Home, allowing players to battle with their personal collections built over the years. Whether you’ve been raising a team since Pokémon X and Y or just caught your favorites in Scarlet and Violet, your legacy can continue in Champions.
Part of a Growing Switch Lineup
Pokémon Champions joins a growing list of major upcoming Pokémon titles, including the hotly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set in Lumiose City. Combined with rising hype around the Nintendo Switch 2, it's clear Nintendo is gearing up for a big year and Champions may be a key part of that momentum.
Between competitive matchmaking, cross-generational Pokémon support, and nostalgic callbacks to classic battle simulators, Pokémon Champions could be the PvP revival fans have been waiting for. Make sure to mark your calendars and ready your wallets for January 23, 2026.
What are your thoughts on the leak? Will you be picking this game up at the start of next year? Which Pokémon is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
As always, stay tuned to Gamefragger.com for more video game news!