First revealed during last year's Pokémon Presents, the spin-off title Pokémon Championsis officially launching on Nintendo Switch this coming 8th. By June, the platform will expand to mobile, establishing a cross-platform environment that allows players to battle without device-related barriers.

This new entry ditches the traditional series' adventure elements to focus entirely on combat. It delivers deep tactical satisfaction, tasking players with navigating complex brain games based on each creature's attributes, unique traits, and diverse move combinations.

Pokémon Champions is primarily composed of three modes: Ranked Battle, Casual Battle, and Private Battle. In each mode, you can freely choose between 1v1 (Single Battle) or 2v2 (Double Battle) formats.

The core Ranked Battle is a fierce arena where you face trainers from across the globe to climb the leaderboards. Your score fluctuates based on match outcomes, and regardless of a win or loss, you earn Victory Points and Season Battle Points based on your performance. Alternatively, you can test your teams against players worldwide in Casual Battle without the pressure of rank, or set up a private room to compete against friends in Private Battle.

Ranks operate on a seasonal basis, with rewards granted at the end of each period based on your final standing. Each season features specific regulations—limiting eligible monsters or introducing new Pokémon—which forces players to rethink their strategies constantly. The Battle Pass also resets seasonally, allowing you to exchange accumulated points for various rewards.

The auditory experience has not been overlooked. You can customise the background music during battles to suit your personal taste, ranging from original tracks to legendary hits from classic series like Pokémon Red and Green, which were never officially released in Korea.

To build a powerhouse team, you must utilise the core in-game currency, VP. VP is earned exclusively through gameplay, such as competitive modes, and is strictly prohibited from being purchased with real money to prevent P2W (Pay-to-Win) scenarios. These resources are used to scout new companions or train existing ones.

The Recruitment Centre offers different Pokémon depending on your chosen recruitment pool. While you get one free 'Trial Scout' daily to rent a Pokémon temporarily, using VP allows you to acquire them permanently.

Additionally, you can ease the burden on your resources by using tickets earned from mission rewards. Fast Coupons shave an hour off the waiting time for scouting new companions, while Regular Tickets allow for immediate, permanent acquisition of Pokémon without spending precious currency.

In the training facility, you can tweak fine-tuned stats like Attack or Defence. Characteristics and move sets can also be swapped with ease, allowing for experimental tactics. Special training tickets even allow you to adjust stats without any cost.

Trainers wear a special accessory called a 'Modu-ring' during battle. It functions similarly to the 'Mega Ring' from Gen 6, enabling Mega Evolution. Beyond Mega Evolution, future updates are expected to gradually roll out features like Terastallization and Dynamax.

The roster, spanning from Generation 1 to 9, is quite a sight. Icons like Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise are present, alongside early-game powerhouses like Pikachu, Gengar, and Gyarados. With recent additions like Meowscarada, Maushold, Palafin, and Kingambit also available, you can build a cross-generational dream team.

You will also meet various assistants who aid your battles. These include Totora, the gym guide who offers heartfelt cheers; Cordy, a former gym leader who provides sage advice; and Rucola, the ranch manager who recommends high-quality Pokémon.

You can also express your personality in the heat of battle through customisation. Beyond changing outfits and facial features, you can fine-tune your Poké Ball throwing style and victory poses to maximise your satisfaction.