Pokémon Champions launched earlier today, April 8, 2026, but the dedicated competitive battling game has already drawn significant backlash from fans and competitive players. Despite heavy pre-launch hype and even pre-release tournaments with hundreds of participants, the title is being called out for its small launch Pokédex of only 187 Pokémon, inconsistent performance, missing staple VGC items, and several gameplay limitations.
Many expected Pokémon Champions to become the new central hub for competitive Pokémon, especially after the final season of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet was announced for April 1. Instead, early impressions highlight a surprisingly stripped-back experience that has left parts of the community disappointed.
Only 187 Pokémon Available at Launch
The most immediate complaint is the limited Pokédex. Out of more than 1,000 existing Pokémon, only 187 are usable on day one. Several high-profile competitive staples and fan favorites are missing, including Ursaluna, Dondozo, and Tatsugiri. While Mega Evolution is supported at launch, only a small selection of the new Mega Evolutions teased in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are actually available. Z-Moves, Dynamax, and Terastallization are confirmed to arrive in future updates.
Here is the current launch Pokédex breakdown by generation (including confirmed Mega Evolutions and regional forms):
Gen 1: Venusaur, Charizard (Mega X/Y), Blastoise, Beedrill, Pidgeot, Arbok, Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Clefable, Ninetales (Alolan), Arcanine (Hisuian), Alakazam, Machamp, Victreebel, Slowbro, Gengar, Kangaskhan, Starmie, Pinsir, Tauros (Paldean forms), Gyarados, Ditto, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Aerodactyl, Snorlax, Dragonite — and their respective Megas where noted.
Gen 2: Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Feraligatr, Ariados, Ampharos, Azumarill, Politoed, Espeon, Umbreon, Slowking, Forretress, Steelix, Scizor, Heracross, Skarmory, Houndoom, Tyranitar — plus Megas.
Gen 3–9: The list continues with notable omissions and selective inclusions such as Gardevoir, Garchomp, Lucario, Greninja, Dragapult, Kingambit, and others, many with Mega forms where applicable.
The small roster has left many players feeling the game launched incomplete, especially for a title marketed as the future of competitive battling.
Even with the free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, Pokémon Champions is reportedly running at around 30 FPS in many matches. Players have also reported various glitches, including a viral clip where an opponent’s Dragapult incorrectly triggered a Focus Sash effect. Professional player Wolfe Glick publicly stated he was unable to play the game shortly after launch due to technical problems.
Several core elements of modern VGC (Video Game Championships) play are either missing or heavily altered:
- 6v6 Singles battles are not available, even in custom or private rooms.
- Many staple held items have been cut entirely, including Assault Vest, Life Orb, Rocky Helmet, Choice Band, Choice Scarf, and Choice Specs. Eviolite is also absent (understandable given the lack of unevolved Pokémon beyond Pikachu).
- Fake Out has been nerfed to only work once per battle, removing key strategies built around Incineroar, Rillaboom, and repeated Fake Out + U-Turn/Parting Shot combinations.
Serebii founder Joe Merrick noted that the removal of these foundational items could significantly impact team-building and overall VGC health moving forward.
Early reactions have been mixed but lean heavily negative in competitive circles. Some players have gone as far as calling it “the worst Pokémon game ever made,” citing disappointing animations, move changes, and the feeling that the game launched before it was ready. Others are more patient, hoping future patches will rapidly expand the Pokédex and restore missing mechanics.
The absence of many beloved Pokémon and essential competitive tools has dampened the initial excitement. While the core battle system feels solid for many, the limited roster and technical hiccups have overshadowed what could have been a landmark release for competitive Pokémon fans.
It remains to be seen how quickly Game Freak and The Pokémon Company will address these concerns. With major updates expected to add new Pokémon, gimmicks like Terastallization, and potentially the missing items, the coming weeks will be critical for Pokémon Champions’ long-term reception.
For now, the launch has been a bumpy one, reminding fans that even a game built purely for battling still needs depth, polish, and a healthy Pokédex to satisfy the dedicated competitive community.