Pokémon has officially confirmed a major shift for its competitive play structure. Pokémon Champions will become the standard platform for VGC, and the transition begins immediately following its launch.
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Pokémon Champions launches on Nintendo Switch on April 8, 2026, and will replace current titles as the primary platform for competitive Pokémon battles.
Here’s how the rollout works, according to Pokémon:
From this point forward, Champions will be the standard for Premier Events and looks to become the standard for VGC moving forward.
Read More: Pokémon Champions will remove IVs: Full details
Global Challenge I runs May 1–4, using Pokémon Champions, with side events at Regionals in April and May. This will not award Championship Points, making it more of an early testing ground.
A new format, Regulation M-A, will debut at Indianapolis Regionals and be used in Champions events moving forward. Details will be released in-game after launch, but this marks a full reset of competitive rules on Pokémon Champions.
This transition signals a complete shift in the competitive Pokémon scene.
Read More: How to Swap Natures in Pokémon Champions (VP Cost Guide)
Pokémon Champions is now the central platform for VGC, with all major tournaments, formats, and events moving into one system. By the 2027 season, it will be mandatory for all Championship Point events.
For players, this is the start of a new competitive era.
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