Cross-Platform Play and Cross-Save

A standout feature of the mobile release is full cross-platform support. Players who have already been battling on Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 can carry over their save data to the mobile version by simply linking the same Nintendo Account . Cross-play is also supported, meaning mobile and console players will be matched against each other in online battles .

Free-to-Play Model and In-Game Purchases

Pokémon Champions follows a free-to-start model. Core features—including ranked battles, casual battles, and private lobbies—are available at no cost, with team-building driven by in-game Victory Points earned through battling, not grinding .

For players who want to progress faster or access cosmetic items, the game offers several optional purchases :

• Premium Battle Pass: Priced at $9.99 per season, it provides extra rewards, exclusive Pokémon, and Mega Stones as you earn Season Points through ranked battles .
• Membership Subscription: A monthly subscription for $4.99 adds increased box storage, extra team slots, exclusive missions, and additional battle music .
• Starter Pack: A one-time purchase for $7 grants early resources to help new players obtain and train Pokémon more quickly .

While multiple paid options exist, reviews indicate the monetization is designed with a relatively low spending cap per month, and the core competitive experience remains functional without spending money .

Mega Raichu X and Y Distribution Event

To celebrate the mobile launch, The Pokémon Company is running a special in-game campaign from June 17 through September 2, 2026. During this window, any player who logs into Pokémon Champions will receive a Raichu and its two new Mega Stones, Raichunite X and Raichunite Y, delivered directly to their in-game mailbox . This is the first time these Mega Evolutions have appeared in Pokémon Champions, and the event runs across both mobile and Switch versions .

New Mega Raichu X and Y Abilities

The two new Mega Evolutions bring distinct competitive roles:

• Mega Raichu X has the ability Electric Surge. Upon entering battle, it automatically sets Electric Terrain for five turns, boosting the power of Electric-type moves used by grounded Pokémon and preventing grounded Pokémon from falling asleep . This makes it a strong anti-sleep counter-pick, disrupting common strategies relying on Spore or Sleep Powder.
• Mega Raichu Y has the ability No Guard. This ensures that every move used by Raichu and aimed at Raichu will land with perfect accuracy, with no chance for moves to miss. This guarantees hits with high-power, low-accuracy moves like Thunder, Zap Cannon, and Focus Blast, but it also means opposing attacks will never miss Mega Raichu Y .

Regulation M-B Competitive Period Begins

Alongside the mobile launch, the Regulation M-B ruleset goes into effect on June 17, 2026. This new competitive period formally introduces Mega Raichu X and Y into the VGC-style format, along with accompanying balance changes . Players should prepare for an immediate meta shift, with Electric Terrain and No Guard both offering powerful new playstyles to build around.

Official Software for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships

Pokémon Champions is not just a spin-off—it is the official battle platform for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, replacing the main-series games as the competitive standard . Any player aiming to compete at the highest level will need to be proficient in Champions, and the mobile release dramatically widens the potential player base ahead of the championships.

With cross-play linking console and mobile communities, a free-to-start model lowering the barrier to entry, and new Mega Raichu forms arriving day one, the June 17 launch marks a significant moment for the competitive Pokémon scene.

Cross-Platform Play and Cross-Save

A standout feature of the mobile release is full cross-platform support. Players who have already been battling on Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 can carry over their save data to the mobile version by simply linking the same Nintendo Account . Cross-play is also supported, meaning mobile and console players will be matched against each other in online battles .

Free-to-Play Model and In-Game Purchases

Pokémon Champions follows a free-to-start model. Core features—including ranked battles, casual battles, and private lobbies—are available at no cost, with team-building driven by in-game Victory Points earned through battling, not grinding .

For players who want to progress faster or access cosmetic items, the game offers several optional purchases :

• Premium Battle Pass: Priced at $9.99 per season, it provides extra rewards, exclusive Pokémon, and Mega Stones as you earn Season Points through ranked battles .
• Membership Subscription: A monthly subscription for $4.99 adds increased box storage, extra team slots, exclusive missions, and additional battle music .
• Starter Pack: A one-time purchase for $7 grants early resources to help new players obtain and train Pokémon more quickly .

While multiple paid options exist, reviews indicate the monetization is designed with a relatively low spending cap per month, and the core competitive experience remains functional without spending money .

Mega Raichu X and Y Distribution Event

To celebrate the mobile launch, The Pokémon Company is running a special in-game campaign from June 17 through September 2, 2026. During this window, any player who logs into Pokémon Champions will receive a Raichu and its two new Mega Stones, Raichunite X and Raichunite Y, delivered directly to their in-game mailbox . This is the first time these Mega Evolutions have appeared in Pokémon Champions, and the event runs across both mobile and Switch versions .

New Mega Raichu X and Y Abilities

The two new Mega Evolutions bring distinct competitive roles:

• Mega Raichu X has the ability Electric Surge. Upon entering battle, it automatically sets Electric Terrain for five turns, boosting the power of Electric-type moves used by grounded Pokémon and preventing grounded Pokémon from falling asleep . This makes it a strong anti-sleep counter-pick, disrupting common strategies relying on Spore or Sleep Powder.
• Mega Raichu Y has the ability No Guard. This ensures that every move used by Raichu and aimed at Raichu will land with perfect accuracy, with no chance for moves to miss. This guarantees hits with high-power, low-accuracy moves like Thunder, Zap Cannon, and Focus Blast, but it also means opposing attacks will never miss Mega Raichu Y .

Regulation M-B Competitive Period Begins

Alongside the mobile launch, the Regulation M-B ruleset goes into effect on June 17, 2026. This new competitive period formally introduces Mega Raichu X and Y into the VGC-style format, along with accompanying balance changes . Players should prepare for an immediate meta shift, with Electric Terrain and No Guard both offering powerful new playstyles to build around.

Official Software for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships

Pokémon Champions is not just a spin-off—it is the official battle platform for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, replacing the main-series games as the competitive standard . Any player aiming to compete at the highest level will need to be proficient in Champions, and the mobile release dramatically widens the potential player base ahead of the championships.

With cross-play linking console and mobile communities, a free-to-start model lowering the barrier to entry, and new Mega Raichu forms arriving day one, the June 17 launch marks a significant moment for the competitive Pokémon scene.