Pokemon Champions Launches on Mobile June 17 With a Free Raichu and Two Brand-New Mega Stones

The publisher confirms a free-to-start release on the App Store and Google Play, with pre-registrations already open. The iOS version requires iOS 16 or later, while most modern Android devices will be supported. The game’s biggest pull is its full cross-play between Switch and mobile, letting Trainers face off regardless of platform. Save data also syncs across both versions as long as players link the game to the same Nintendo Account.

The move to mobile also marks a strategic turning point for the competitive side of the franchise. Pokemon Champions ships with three core battle modes, including Ranked Battles for climbing the global ladder, Casual Battles for low-stakes matches, and Private Battles between friends. The game ties into Pokemon HOME, allowing Trainers to bring over certain Pokemon befriended from other games in the series. More importantly, Pokemon Champions is set to replace Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as the official VGC title for the Pokemon World Championships 2026, cementing its role as Pokemon’s competitive pillar for years to come.

To celebrate the mobile launch, The Pokemon Company is rolling out a particularly splashy giveaway. From June 17 to September 2, 2026, players on both versions can grab a free Raichu along with the Raichunite X and Raichunite Y, two Mega Stones making their debut in the Pokemon Champions roster.

Mega Raichu X unlocks the Electric Surge ability, which sets an electrified field the moment it enters the battlefield, while Mega Raichu Y triggers No Guard, an ability that ensures every move lands its target whether you’re attacking or defending.

Here are the steps to grab Raichu and its Mega Stones in Pokemon Champions:

• Log in to the game between June 17 and September 2, 2026 on Switch or mobile
• Open the in-game mailbox to automatically claim Raichu, Raichunite X, and Raichunite Y
• Claim on both platforms by linking your versions to the same Nintendo Account
• Wait for the in-game shop to add the Mega Stones after the giveaway ends on September 2