Pokmon Champions just made its Android and iOS debut, and theres two Mega reasons you need to log in and play it now

Date:
Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Description:
Pokmon Champions was great on my Nintendo Switch 2, but the iOS and Android version is better.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter I couldnt get enough of Pokmon Champions at launch . The Nintendo Switch 2 pokmon battler was a game Id been waiting for since its announcement and it was close to everything I hoped for but after a couple of weeks I fell off.

Between a mixture of other games releasing, not always having my Switch 2 on me, and several real life commitments taking up my time, my quest to climb up through Mater rank petered out.

Now Champions has hit smartphones launching on iOS and Android earlier this week and the game feels more at home here than it ever did on Nintendos hardware. The quest to be the very best is back on. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: It's Super Effective! (Image credit: The Pokemon Company / Nintendo) Theres something somewhat surreal playing an official full-on
Pokmon battling game on mobile, especially a mobile game thats so microtransactions light compared to other Android and iOS releases from the franchise its possible to spend real money on more storage space, teams and
a Battle Pass for premium rewards, but nothing beyond cosmetics is exclusive to folks who pay up and the free-to-play experience is fantastic especially
if you have transferred in critters from Pokmon Go or a mainline entry via Pokmon Home . Despite this strangeness, Pokmon Champions works so well
because any time your phone is connected to the internet (via wi-fi or a cell network) you can boot into a battle. Ive battled on London tube while commuting to work, when kicking back in bed, while sat at a restaurant
waiting for friends to arrive, and I might have snuck a game or two from my work desk. You may like Pokmon Champions first impressions: approachable competitive excellence Ive played with Legos new Pokmon Smart Play sets I can genuinely see Pokmon Pokopia being my Game of the Year but I really wish it didnt have this one issue

Because this is all on a device you can slip into your pocket its super
easier to pick up an impromptu game or two when the moment arises theres no prior thought or prep required compared to playing on a Switch. Wile the graphics are a little tuned down compared to what youll get on Switch 2, my experience so far has been very smooth on mobile. The Mobile version feels as easy and free to play friendly as the Switch 2 edition (Image credit:
Nintendo / The Pokmon Company) I started out using my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with the tablet-like inner display giving me a great view of battles even
with menus sharing the screen, however I didnt feel the experience was especially cramped when I switched to its smaller front display, or the
screen of my Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra . Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

In fact, there was a strange nostalgia to using the Ultra, with the S Pen stylus making me feel like I was back in 2005 playing Pokmon Diamond on Nintendo DS.

No matter what Android or iOS device you have, the Pokmon Champions
experience should feel like a delight and much more fulfilling than other
free mobile games out there, but if my words so far arent enough to convince you to hop onto the ladder The Pokmon Company is sweetening the deal Lets Go Raichu! (Image credit: Pokemon Company / Nintendo) To celebrate the Android and iOS launch all players (who log in by September 1) will receive a free gift: Raichu and both of its Pokmon Legends Z-A DLC Mega Stones to mega
evolve it into either Mega Raichu X or Mega Raichu Y. What to read next These are my top 5 Pokmon games on Nintendo Switch 2 including a controversial entry, and one that you may have forgotten The 26 best Nintendo Switch 2
games to play right now These 12 Lego Pokmon sets finally get Smart Play
right

Having fallen down the ladder in my hiatus I decided to climb back up to Master Rank using Raichu, and as some expected ahead of its debut Raichu Y
and its No Guard ability is an absolute beast. A speedy special attacker with 100% accurate Zap Cannon and Focus Blast is a force to be reckoned with, and this pocket monster pairs very well into many of Champion s biggest threats.

Life Orb Garchomp, or Raichu itself (with its un-mega evolved Lightning Rod ability), are two solid counters if youre struggling against it on other teams, but Ive found its a lot more fun to ride the Mega Raichu Y wave than try to fight it.

Mega Raichu X is nothing to sniff at, though in Champions current doubles
meta which is low on sleep control or future paradox pokmon its ability to set up electric terrain isnt super impactful. If/when the future paradoxes
and threats like Amoonguss rear their head I see Raichu X finally emerging from hibernation.

Thats the joy of Champions approach so far. Slowly rolling out new mons and items to mix things up often enough to keep the game fresh, but not yet so often to feel overwhelming for more casual fans.

If youre still here Im not sure what excuse you have. Go download Pokmon Champions , theres nothing better you could be doing with your phone. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best Pokemon Legends: Z-A deals 39.99 View Deal 42 View Deal 42.99 View Deal Show more We check over
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/mobile-gaming/pokemon-champions-just-made-its -android-and-ios-debut-and-theres-two-mega-reasons-you-need-to-log-in-and-play -it-now


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