On Pokémon Day, The Pokémon Company unveiled exciting details about Pokémon Champions, a thrilling new entry in the Pokémon franchise. The announcement came during a special Pokémon Presents presentation streamed globally, celebrating the original launch of the Pokémon video games in 1996.

Developed by The Pokémon Works in collaboration with Game Freak, Pokémon Champions promises to bring the core excitement of Pokémon battles into a focused, multiplayer experience, perfect for fans of competitive play. It carries forward the legacy of trainers challenging each other to showcase their strategic skills.

Unlike traditional entries in the series, this new experience is dedicated to battling, providing players with a streamlined format to compete in high-stakes matches reminiscent of Pokémon Stadium. It is being built for seasoned trainers and newbies alike, offering familiar mechanics such as Pokémon types, Abilities, and moves, which create a dynamic environment where strategy is key.

Another cool feature about Pokémon Champions is its compatibility with Pokémon Home. This cloud-based service, which connects the core Pokémon franchises across platforms, allows you to bring in your favorite Pokémon from past games.

However, only certain Pokémon available through Pokémon Home will be usable in Pokémon Champions, at least in the beginning. While not every Pokémon will make the cut, you’ll still have plenty of options to assemble a team of classics and new partners for your battles.

Pokémon Champions will be available on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, allowing for cross-platform play on the go. With multiple modes likely to be available, there’s something for every trainer, whether you enjoy quick duels or more in-depth strategic matches.

While you wait, check out this list of the best Pokémon games to play on Android and iOS right now!

Though Pokémon Champions is still in development and lacks a confirmed release date, it’s already shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the competitive side of the Pokémon universe. You can visit the official website to stay updated on the development.