If you have been itching for a pure focus on competitive Pokémon battles, you might want to mark your calendar: 'Pokémon Champions' is hitting the Switch this April. The game prides itself on its accessibility for training and, of course, the thrill of pitting your wits against another player.

The Pokémon Company dropped the news during the 'Pokémon Presents' broadcast on the 27th. The core here is unequivocally the battle system. You will be able to scrap with other players on both Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, utilizing Pokémon types, abilities, and strategic move selection. The game features 'Rank Battles' where your standing fluctuates with every win or loss, 'Casual Battles' for a lighter experience, and 'Private Battles' if you fancy a scrap with your mates or family. Oh, and if you are aiming for the top in Ranked, Mega Evolution is back on the cards.

You can import your existing squad from Pokémon Home or utilize the 'Scout' feature to bolster your ranks. Furthermore, the training suite allows you to fine-tune your stats—boosting attack or defense as you see fit—and you can even swap out abilities and moves on the fly.

Beyond just your battle-hungry protagonist, you will be rubbing shoulders with a colorful cast. There is Totora the gym receptionist, Rucola who introduces the Pokémon, Cordi who assists with training, Caraway the owner of the Battle Arena, and Badan, the mayor of Frontier City.

The game introduces a membership service that expands your storage box capacity, team slots, and exclusive missions. There is also a battle pass system, where you earn rewards based on the points you rack up in Ranked matches. If you feel like splashing some cash, the paid battle pass offers unique protagonist outfits and Mega Stones. A 'Starter Pack' will also be up for grabs, bundling the base game with a 50-slot box expansion, 50 training cards, and 30 regular tickets.

Pokémon Champions is slated for a Nintendo Switch release this April, with a mobile version following in the summer. It has already been confirmed as an official event for the Pokémon World Championships taking place in San Francisco this August.