The Pokemon world was abuzz with excitement following the recent Pokemon Presents event, which unveiled a surprise new title: Pokemon Champions.  This digital-only game promises to deliver fast-paced, competitive Pokemon battles, taking inspiration from classic titles like Pokemon Stadium while adding a modern online twist.

One of the major draws of Pokemon Champions is its online multiplayer functionality, allowing players to engage in battles anytime, anywhere.  The reveal trailer showcased the return of popular battle mechanics like Mega Evolution and Terastalization, promising dynamic and strategic gameplay.

Pokemon Champions aims to provide a new platform for competitive Pokemon battling, but it's not just about bringing existing gameplay to a new format. The game's digital-only release has sparked both interest and debate among fans.

It's been confirmed that Pokemon Champions will be a paid experience, requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online play.  This information pertains specifically to the Switch version, and the mobile release may have a different payment structure.  While free-to-play games sometimes require online subscriptions, this combination for a premium title is less common, raising questions about pricing and access.

The digital-only nature of Pokemon Champions isn't the only point of contention.  It was confirmed shortly after the game's reveal that it won't feature the entire 1,000+ Pokemon roster.  While the specific Pokemon included and excluded remain unclear, this news disappointed some fans hoping for a complete battle experience.

A concrete release date for Pokemon Champions is still pending, but it's anticipated to launch later this year. Players can expect integration with Pokemon Home, enabling them to transfer Pokemon from other games into Champions for battle. At least three game modes have been confirmed, with the possibility of more being revealed closer to launch.