The upcoming Pokemon Champions game is poised to replace the mainline Pokemon titles as the official platform for Video Game Championships (VGC) events, marking the end of a 16-year tradition that began with Pokemon Platinum in 2009. This strategic shift by The Pokemon Company will fundamentally change how trainers compete at the highest levels of Pokemon battles.

When Pokemon Champions launches in 2026, it will serve as the dedicated competitive platform for all VGC tournaments. The game will maintain compatibility with Pokemon Home, allowing competitors to transfer their carefully trained Pokemon from previous titles. However, tournament organizers will implement specific restrictions on which Pokemon can participate in official events, though these details remain undisclosed.

One of the most exciting announcements is the return of Mega Evolution to competitive play. This powerful battle mechanic, which hasn't been featured in official tournaments since the Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon era, will make its comeback in Pokemon Champions. The timing coincides with the release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, suggesting potential synergies between the two games.

The transition to Pokemon Champions raises questions about the current Championship Points (CP) system. Typically reset after each World Championship, players earn CP through regional tournaments to qualify for future events. With the new game not arriving until 2026, it's uncertain whether the existing CP structure will remain unchanged or undergo modifications to accommodate the transition period.

Pokemon Champions will be available on both mobile devices and Nintendo Switch, offering two distinct versions: a free-to-play edition with basic features and a premium version likely exclusive to Switch with expanded content. This dual-platform approach aims to make competitive Pokemon more accessible while maintaining depth for serious competitors.