Release Schedule for Pokémon Champions Unveiled

Pokémon Champions is gearing up for its release this week on the Nintendo Switch, and players can find out just when they can dive into the action. This highly anticipated free-to-play spinoff is intended to serve as the primary battleground for Pokémon competition for the foreseeable future, especially as the franchise continues to expand towards a staggering 10,000 Pokémon species, compared to the current roster of around 1,000. Champions will allow players to transfer their beloved Pokémon from Pokémon Home, including favored forms like Mega, Gigantamax, and Terastallized Pokémon, although only a limited selection will be available at launch. While individual Pokémon titles may cycle in and out of popularity, Champions will be the cornerstone for competitive play moving forward, launching on Nintendo Switch (and the anticipated Switch 2) beginning today in certain global regions. Officially, Pokémon Champions is set for an April 8 release date; however, its global rollout means that players will gain access to the game at various times depending on their location. Additionally, a mobile version for iPhone and Android will be released separately later this year. Although Champions is free-to-play, there will be a paid Starter Pack option that allows players to increase their Pokémon storage capacity by an extra 50, alongside other bonuses. Starting this year, Champions will take the reins from the latest core games, Scarlet and Violet, to become the primary title for competitive Pokémon events, including the World Championships scheduled for this summer. Excited to jump in? Check out the specific launch times for Pokémon Champions in your region below. Pokémon Champions Global Release Times: Sydney (AEST) - 13:00, April 8 Tokyo (JST) - 12:00, April 8 Paris (CEST) - 05:00, April 8 London (BST) - 04:00, April 8 New York (EST) - 23:00, April 7 Los Angeles (PST) - 20:00, April 7