Pokémon Champions is bringing something brand new to the series. For the first time in any official Pokémon game, move descriptions now show exact percentages for effects like damage boosts. It’s a small change on the surface, but it could make competitive battles much easier to understand—especially for newer players.
Why This Change Matters
In older Pokémon games, move descriptions often leave out important details. For example, in Scarlet & Violet, the move Expanding Force just says its power is “boosted” under Psychic Terrain—without telling you by how much.
But in Champions, the move’s description now clearly says it gets a 50% power boost when Psychic Terrain is active. You also get new clarity on status effects. For example, Psychic shows a 10% chance to lower Special Defense, while older games only say it “may” do so.
This level of detail has never been shown in-game before. It removes guesswork and makes move decisions easier, especially in high-stakes battles.
Key Competitive Features
The trailer confirmed several competitive-focused features built into Pokémon Champions:
- HP percentages displayed directly on the health bar
- Effectiveness markers for move multipliers (0.25x, 0.5x, 2x, and 4x)
- No IVs or EVs, replaced with the VP (V-Points) system for stat customization
- An escape button for surrendering mid-match
These additions match the streamlined, no-fluff approach seen in Pokémon Showdown, bringing that same level of clarity to an official Pokémon title.
Alongside these UI improvements, Champions also introduces V-Points (VP) as a way to customize your Pokémon. Instead of grinding for perfect IVs and EVs, you can spend VP to adjust stats, change moves, and even switch Abilities or Natures. Each action costs a set amount of in-game currency, making training much faster and more accessible.
What Else We Know
Pokémon Champions was first announced in February 2025, with new gameplay shown during the July Pokémon Presents livestream. The developers will release the game as a free-to-play title in 2026 on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
You can form teams by using a preset roster or by transferring your Pokémon from Pokémon Home. Battles take place in large stadiums filled with cheering NPC crowds, similar to Sword and Shield’s Gym Challenge arenas.
The Pokémon Works is developing the game. The studio also created Pokémon Sleep and Pokémon Home. Game Freak is helping plan and support the project. The trailer mentions release on the “Nintendo Switch family of systems”, which hints at potential availability on the upcoming Switch 2.
Big Moves Are Back
Champions brings back two fan-favorite mechanics: Mega Evolutions and Terastallization. Both can be used in battle, giving players more ways to power up and plan strategies. Combining these with the updated stat system and transparent move data makes every decision in battle feel more impactful.
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With its focus on clear battle info and PvP-first features, Pokémon Champions is shaping up to be the most competitive-friendly Pokémon game yet. It takes ideas fans already love and puts them into an official, polished game for Switch and mobile.
We’ll have to wait until 2026 to try it, but if the trailers are any sign, it could become the go-to game for online Pokémon battles.
