After months of anticipation fueled by rumors and leaks, we've finally been treated to our first glimpse of Pokémon Champions, a groundbreaking multiplayer battle-centric Pokémon game. This exciting new title is being crafted through a collaboration between Game Freak and The Pokémon Works, a fresh partnership between The Pokémon Company and ILCA, the developers behind Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Pokémon Champions is set to revolutionize the series with its focus on "core-style battles," enabling players to engage in thrilling online confrontations. The trailer showcased the inclusion of both Mega Evolution and Terastalization, hinting at a comprehensive battle experience that spans various types and eras of Pokémon.
One of the most exciting features of Pokémon Champions is its integration with Pokémon Home. This connectivity allows players to transfer their Pokémon from other games into Pokémon Champions, providing a new purpose for the hundreds of Pokémon that have been sitting idle in their boxes from past generations.
Currently in development for both Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms, Pokémon Champions does not yet have a release date. However, it will be available in Latin American Spanish at launch, alongside other languages that have been featured in previous Pokémon games.
Pokémon Champions appears to be the same project that was previously referred to as Pokémon Synapse, which first surfaced in last year's "Freak Leak." This leak unveiled a wealth of internal Game Freak information, including details on unreleased games, meeting notes, and Pokémon designs. At the time, it was confirmed that Pokémon Synapse was being co-developed by Game Freak and ILCA, with speculation pointing towards a multiplayer format. While some drew comparisons to Splatoon, the latest reveal suggests that Pokémon Champions is a unique take on the multiplayer genre.
For more insights into what was showcased at today's Pokémon Presents, you can find all the details right here.