Pokémon announces new competitive title Pokémon Champions

Pokémon may be getting a new competitive title with Pokémon Champions — a game entirely focused on battling — set to be released later this year.

Nintendo’s Pokémon Presents live stream earlier today showcased new content coming in 2025 and beyond, including more information on Pokémon Legends: Z-A and updates to Pokémon TCG Pocket.

Pokémon Presents also had a trailer for Pokémon Champions, which could join the VGC, Unite and the TCG as competitive titles.

A trailer for Pokémon Champions shows a game entirely focused on battles. This includes a real-life crowd forming around a stadium as trainers fight with their Pokémon team.

Pokémon Presents didn’t clarify if the game would be competitive in nature, but the ability to battle with players from all around the world has piqued the interest of the esports scene.

Pokémon Champions will allow trainers to import Pokémon from Scarlet & Violet, Home, and other Pokémon titles to use in battles. There will be some restrictions on the Pokémon that can be used.

An official description of the game states that the battle-focused game will include familiar mechanics like Pokémon types, abilities and moves that will inspire trainers to come up with ‘rich and varied strategies.’

Unfortunately, not much else about the gameplay has been revealed. The release date is also unknown, but it will be coming for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Pokémon previously had an esports scene for its fighting game, Pokken. The esport ended after the 2022 World Championships.