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| Pokémon Champions brings high-speed battle strategy to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on April 8. |
By Jon Scarr
Pokémon fans have a new way to fight starting next month. The Pokémon Company and Nintendo announced that Pokémon Champions will launch for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on April 8.
This new free-to-start title focuses entirely on competitive play strategy. I think this is a bold move for the franchise. By removing the RPG exploration and focusing purely on the battle engine, Nintendo is clearly aiming for the eSports crowd. It also includes some big perks for Nintendo Switch 2 owners.
Enhanced Performance on Nintendo Switch 2
While you can play the game on Nintendo Switch, the big news involves the Nintendo Switch 2 support. A free update will be available at launch that provides enhanced visual performance for the new hardware.
You'll need an internet connection to grab the update, but seeing Mega Evolutions and high-speed battles with extra polish is a great incentive for Switch 2 owners. To me, this proves the new hardware can polish up existing assets right out of the gate.
The Heart of Building Your Team
Recruitment drives the play in Pokémon Champions. You have two main ways to fill your roster of six. First, you can link the Pokémon HOME app to bring in battle-ready Pokémon you already raised in previous RPGs or Pokémon GO. Second, the game allows you to recruit one random Pokémon for free every day.
These daily recruits are temporary and usually stay on your team for one week. However, the game introduces Victory Points (VP) as a way to change the rules. You earn VP through battles and can trade them to make your favorite recruits permanent members of your collection. You can also use VP to refresh your recruitment options multiple times a day if you are hunting for a particular team member.
This setup is a fair compromise compared to the harsh gacha luck I see in other games. If you put in the time to earn VP, you can keep your favorites forever.
Diverse Ways to Battle Online
The online modes in this title offer a lot of staying power for different types of players. If you want to test your skill against the best, Ranked Battles let you climb a ladder against Trainers with similar ratings. For those days when you just want to mess around with a new team idea, Casual Battles provide a space where wins and losses do not count. I appreciate that Private Battles use a simple Room ID system, making it easy to set up matches with friends without jumping through hoops.
Customization goes far beyond just choosing your moves. You can spend your earned VP in the Shop to adjust Abilities, Natures, and stat points for your team. This level of control is great because it allows you to fine-tune a Pokémon to fit a particular role. You can even change your Trainer’s look, Poké Ball throwing style, and battle music to add some personal flair.
For those looking for a head start, a Starter Pack bundle adds 50 Pokémon to your storage box and includes the classic theme from the Let's Go series. Pokémon Champions looks like a big win for players who want to jump straight into the tactical side of the franchise. Keep your eyes on the eShop on April 8.
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