Pokémon is going all-out in 2026 to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, including the release of several games, and the Pokémon Champions price structure has caused a debate.
Fresh from the widely successful release of Pokopia, Pokémon Champions is set to bring a sweep of changes to the competitive scene, making it more accessible than ever.
If you want all the pricing details for Pokémon Champions, Insider Gaming has all the details you need.
Is Pokémon Champions Free to Play?
Yes, Pokémon Champions is free to play, and you won’t have to splash out to download the title on the April 8 launch, or beyond.
Pokémon Champions, like other titles including Pokémon Go, has a base game that is free to play, and you won’t be locked out of specific content entirely if you don’t pay a fee.
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Alongside there being no upfront cost, Pokémon Champions does not require an ongoing subscription to play, although you will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play online.
While there are no upfront or subscription costs required for Pokémon Champions, there are optional purchases available, including subscriptions and Battle Passes.
Does Pokémon Champions Have Additional Purchases?
Yes, additional purchases are available for Pokémon Champions that can help you fast-track your team, recruit new Pokémon, and more.
For those wanting a jump-start in the game, the Pokémon Champions Starter Pack is available and makes it “easier to both obtain and train Pokémon,” according to Nintendo’s description. This is priced at $9.99.
Additionally, like many other modern titles, Pokémon Champions has a Battle Pass with both a free and a Premium track. For the Premium Battle Pass, it reportedly costs $6.99 a month.
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Finally, there’s also a Pokémon Champions membership that provides bonuses, including additional Pokémon storage, more team slots, exclusive missions and content, and additional bonuses like battle songs. This is expected to cost around $4 a month, or $49.99 a year.
Full details on the payment structure for Pokémon Champions will be revealed when the game releases on April 8.
What are your thoughts on the Pokémon Champions pricing model? Share your thoughts in the Insider Gaming Discord.
For more Pokémon Champions, find out about balance patches that will be used, and check out the first VGC events that will use the game.
