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Pokemon Champions, released on Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2026, is a free-to-play game with the concept of 'Pokemon Battles for Everyone.' A smartphone version is also scheduled for release in the summer.
With its free-to-play model, the dramatically simplified Pokemon battle training, battle-focused tutorials, and detailed specification explanations providing substantial support for first-time Pokemon battlers, the community has seen unprecedented excitement. According to official data, the number of participants in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's Ranked Battle Season 1 exceeded 1.22 million. The final rank 1 achiever at that time had a rating of 2415.819.
It's said that the rate of rating increase correlates with the number of participants, and as of this writing, the highest rating in Pokemon Champions is approaching 2700. Since precise numbers haven't been published, we can't know for certain, but by simple calculation, there should be a player population exceeding 1.22 million. Playing the game, you get the real sense that 'of course that's the case.'
Did the fun of Pokemon battles get newly updated with this game's release timing? That would probably not be true. Pokemon battles have always been unique content with extremely deep tactical elements.
So why has it sparked such a massive movement? Famitsu.com conducted an interview with Masaaki Hoshino, producer at The Pokemon Company and development lead for this title. We asked about his passion for the game, the challenges of development and operation, and his future outlook.
Developing a Dedicated Title to Preserve the Pokemon Battles He Loves Forever
――It's been one month since release. How has the response from players been?
We've received an even bigger response than we anticipated. What makes me especially happy is that so many people are experiencing Pokemon battles for the first time. I was also surprised to hear that it's become a hot topic at the elementary school that one of our development team member's children attends.
――How many players are there currently?
We haven't disclosed specific numbers, but to give you an idea, in the time it takes you to blink once, over 100 battles are being decided. In terms of official tournament participation, the Warm-up Challenge had about 720,000 participants, and Global Challenge 2026 had about 480,000.
――Is there significance to releasing in 2026, the 30th anniversary year?
Led by myself and Morimoto (Shigeki), we started development with the desire to preserve turn-based battle gameplay forever. I'm very happy that we could release it at this milestone 30th anniversary timing.
――For example, will you be challenging new battle formats after 'Pokemon Wind & Wave' scheduled for 2027?
No, this isn't about any specific upcoming title - Pokemon Champions is looking much further into the future. I actually don't know what kind of battle format Pokemon Wind & Wave will have. For example, decades from now, there might be entirely new Pokemon battles that aren't bound by today's conventions. While you can look forward to that, we've separated this into a dedicated title so that the turn-based Pokemon battles we love can also be enjoyed forever.
――Please tell us why you love Pokemon battles so much.
I got hooked on Pokemon battles through Pokemon Yellow. I've been hosting internal company tournaments since the Ruby & Sapphire era, and I even participated in the Pokemon Card World Championship 2013.
――What aspects of Pokemon battles do you find appealing?
Under the belief that "nothing beats the fun of player-versus-player competition," we prioritize fairness and broad strategic depth. The strength is that all 1,025 Pokemon species can shine depending on strategy.
――As a game developed by someone as devoted to Pokemon battles as you, what plans do you have going forward?
We're considering tournaments to determine champions across multiple competitive formats including video games, Pokemon cards, and Pokken. There's precedent with the "Pokemon Triathlon" that was held in the past.
The Intent Behind the "Draw" Specification Change on Time-Out. Official Tournament for Single Battle Players Announced!!
――As a long-term service title, at what intervals will balance adjustments be made?
We plan to add Pokemon approximately every 3 months. Our policy prioritizes accessibility for beginners, and some held items will also be unlocked.
――Please tell us about the excluded Pokemon.
Dondozo was excluded because "there are many difficult aspects including the combination with Tatsugiri." We've intentionally created an environment where many Mega Evolved Pokemon can thrive.
――Please tell us about efforts to reduce play time, such as shortening stat change animations.
Our goal was an average play time of 5 minutes, and we achieved approximately 4 minutes. We've implemented shortened stat change animations, shortened multi-hit move animations, a surrender option available at any time, and simultaneous Intimidate activation in Double Battles.
――Also, how does the surrender function relate to the draw specification on time-out?
After "intense discussions" within development, we decided on draws for Ranked Battles and judgment for Official Tournaments. According to data, draws in Double Battles are almost non-existent (less than 0.1%), and even among top Single Battle players, they're very rare. In response to feedback from top Single Battle players, we've decided to hold the "Monthly Challenge," a monthly Single Battle tournament.
PP Was Originally Set Based on "Adventure" Gameplay. All Moves Revised for Battle in This Title
――Please tell us about the PP revision.
We readjusted the values that were originally based on RPG "adventure" gameplay for competitive battles. We reviewed all moves in cooperation with Shigeki Morimoto.
――What discussions were there within development about displaying values like move effects?
Within development, we were split between "show all numbers" and "too much information will turn people away," but ultimately decided to display all values. We've also focused on visual clarity, such as changing type effectiveness icon displays based on conditions.
――Mega Meganium's ability "Mega Solar" is said to be your idea.
It was my own idea, implementing the official description from Pokemon LEGENDS Z-A as an ability effect. During development, it frequently caused type display bugs.
――Please tell us why you removed "Innate Strength" (IVs).
We removed it based on the judgment that it doesn't fit the times. User feedback has been positive, especially appreciating being able to immediately use cherished Pokemon at the front lines.
――What's the reason for adding "Champion Rank" above Master Ball rank?
The traditional Master Ball rank was considered "too easy a goal" for experienced players, so we set higher goals. We've also implemented detailed rank divisions within Master Ball rank.
――This game is free-to-play, but please tell us about the monetization elements.
Under the declaration to "continue forever," our policy is to avoid excessive burden on players. We have Membership (box expansion to 1,000 Pokemon, 15 additional Battle Team slots, exclusive missions), costumes through Battle Pass, planned battle music additions, and Starter Pack sales. The development team prioritizes continuous play above all else.
――Were there any challenges with translation or development?
We couldn't use translation assets from previous titles, so we did new translations for 9 languages excluding Japanese. The technical challenges when implementing Mega Meganium's ability were particularly difficult.
――Finally, please give a message to the players.
"Pokemon Champions is a game where anyone has the potential to become the world's best champion," and it can be fully enjoyed for free. Please enjoy the current Regulation M-A while looking forward to features that will be gradually added.