Nintendo Switch 2 Is Getting a New Pokemon Game in 2026

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Many Pokémon fans are disappointed that a new main series game won’t be released this year. It’s been four years since Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and the next generation, Generation 10, isn’t expected until 2027. Remakes of Pokémon Black and White also haven’t been announced, meaning they likely won’t come out in 2026 either. This makes the wait for a new Pokémon game feel especially long, following the release of Pokémon Pokopia in March. However, the next game will be available on both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2, and will feature improvements similar to those seen in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

The release of Pokemon Pokopia as a Switch 2 exclusive felt like a turning point. However, Nintendo Switch owners will get at least one more Pokemon game before the console is superseded. Pokemon Champions, a new battle simulator for both consoles and mobile devices, will launch on the Nintendo Switch on April 8th. A key detail that hasn’t received much attention is that the game won’t just work on the Switch 2 – it will also get a special, enhanced version designed for the new console. Similar to Legends: Z-A, Pokemon Champions will take advantage of the Switch 2’s improved capabilities, offering a better gaming experience.

Pokemon Champions Will Have a Free Switch 2 Upgrade at Launch

With the release of Pokemon Champions just weeks away, Pokemon is starting to reveal more details about the game. One detail that’s been overlooked is that the game will be free to upgrade to a better version on the Switch 2 when that console launches. I actually played the Switch 2 version during a preview, and since Pokemon Champions is coming to both Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, this upgrade has been somewhat overshadowed. The Pokemon Company confirmed that this upgraded version for the Switch 2 will be available for free.

Since Pokemon Champions is a free-to-start game, the upgraded version for the Switch 2 will be available at no cost. Players who download Pokemon Champions on the Switch 2 will simply receive a free update to access the enhanced features. Currently, the only confirmed improvement is better graphics that utilize the Switch 2’s more powerful hardware. While I haven’t seen the original Switch version yet, Pokemon Champions looked very good on the Switch 2.

Pokemon Champions Might Be the Last Pokemon Game to Release for the Original Switch

While a better version of Pokemon Champions will be available for those with the new Switch 2, it won’t be exclusive to that console. It’s coming to the original Nintendo Switch and will also be released on mobile devices soon. However, since Pokopia was only for the Switch 2, this might be the last completely new Pokemon game we see on the original Nintendo Switch.

The upcoming game, Pokemon Winds and Waves, is expected in 2027 and will only be available on the Switch 2. Trailers have so far focused on the new console, confirming it’s a Switch 2 exclusive. Unless Nintendo announces any additional games for the original Switch this year after Champions, it seems future main series Pokemon titles will be released on Switch 2 only.

It’s not unexpected that newer games are leaving older consoles behind, and the Nintendo Switch lasted longer than most. Towards the end, its hardware was starting to limit what games could do. It makes sense that developers wouldn’t want to create games for both the Switch and its successor. However, with gaming becoming increasingly expensive, it’s disappointing to hear that players will likely need to buy a new Switch 2 to keep enjoying games like Pokémon.

We’re definitely getting at least one more new Pokémon game for the Switch. And those who upgrade to the Switch 2 can expect an even better version of Champions too.

What are your thoughts on Pokemon Champions? Share your opinions in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-28 19:12