Rumour: Pokémon Champions Leaks Resurface Ahead of 2026 Launch

Fresh speculation has reignited around Pokémon Champions, the upcoming battle-focused title reportedly set for release in early 2026. As noted by Nintendo Everything, new details have begun to emerge — and they appear to align with previously leaked information that’s now been partially validated by the latest broadcast from The Pokémon Company.

Although we won’t be discussing specific gameplay mechanics from the leaks, it’s worth noting that the rumour suggests Pokémon Champions will launch as a free download across multiple platforms, including the anticipated Switch 2. That said, some fans remain sceptical about the pricing model and overall platform rollout.

Interestingly, this news comes just days after The Pokémon Company dropped a new puzzle title, Pokémon Friends, which follows a hybrid release model: it’s free-to-play on mobile and a paid version on Switch — with optional transactions available on both. This mirrors strategies seen in other Pokémon releases, where free-to-play access on both console and mobile has been paired with premium mainline experiences.

It’s important to remember that everything mentioned so far remains unconfirmed, and the story is still very much in the rumour category. However, with Pokémon Legends: Z-A launching this October, fans may not have to wait long to hear more official details about Pokémon Champions.

Past leaks have also indicated that the game may initially feature a limited roster, with only select Pokémon available at launch — though future updates are expected to expand the selection over time.

Stay tuned, trainers — the next big battle might be just around the corner.