Game Freak to use Pokémon Champions to preserve classic battle system

Game Freak developers Shigeki Morimoto and Kazumasa Iwao have revealed that the Pokémon franchise may undergo significant changes to its traditional turn-based battle system in future mainline titles. To address concerns from long-term fans who prefer the classic mechanics used since the original Red and Green versions, the company developed Pokémon Champions as a dedicated space to preserve the established combat style.

Pokémon Champions is a free-to-play title available on mobile devices and Nintendo Switch platforms. It features cross-play compatibility and is designed to serve as a permanent home for the series' traditional competitive rules, even as upcoming titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and potential future entries explore new action-oriented or evolved mechanics.

In addition to these strategic developments, the Pokémon Champions community is currently participating in the August 2026 Monthly Challenge Series. Players can also redeem a special mystery gift code, W0R1DCHAMP10NS26, to receive 500 Victory Points in celebration of the game's integration into the upcoming World Championships.