On Pokémon Day, The Pokémon Company unveiled thrilling details about Pokémon Champions, a new entry in the Pokémon franchise designed for competitive fans. The announcement was made during a special Pokémon Presents presentation streamed globally, celebrating the original launch of the Pokémon video games in 1996.

Developed by The Pokémon Works in collaboration with Game Freak, Pokémon Champions promises to deliver the core excitement of Pokémon battles in a focused, multiplayer experience. It carries forward the legacy of trainers challenging each other to showcase their strategic skills. Unlike traditional titles in the series, this game is dedicated to battling, providing players with a streamlined format to compete in high-stakes matches reminiscent of Pokémon Stadium. It is crafted for both seasoned trainers and newcomers, featuring familiar mechanics such as Pokémon types, Abilities, and moves, which create a dynamic environment where strategy is paramount.

A standout feature of Pokémon Champions is its integration with Pokémon Home. This cloud-based service, which connects the core Pokémon franchises across platforms, enables you to bring your favorite Pokémon from past games into the new battleground. However, only certain Pokémon available through Pokémon Home will be usable in Pokémon Champions, at least initially. While not every Pokémon will be eligible, you’ll still have ample options to assemble a team of classics and new partners for your battles.

Pokémon Champions will be available on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, allowing for cross-platform play on the go. With multiple modes likely to be available, there’s something for every trainer, whether you enjoy quick duels or more in-depth strategic matches.

While you wait for its release, explore this list of the best Pokémon games to play on Android and iOS right now!

Though Pokémon Champions is still in development and lacks a confirmed release date, it’s already shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the competitive side of the Pokémon universe. To stay updated on the development, visit the official website.