During the recent Pokémon Presents on July 22, a trailer and new details about Pokémon Champions have been revealed, a title that promises to focus on competitive combat and that fans have been waiting for since its previous announcement. This game, which will be released in 2026 for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, is considered the spiritual successor to Stadium and Colosseum, marking a highly anticipated return to the world of battles from a more official perspective.
Pokémon, I choose you!
Among the main novelties, a simplified system for training Pokémon attributes stands out, as the Individual Values (IVs) system has been removed. This could drastically change the metagame, especially the ‘speed tier’, an essential component in competitive strategies. With this removal, the question arises about what will happen to Pokémon transferred from Pokémon Home, which could arrive with lower IVs, an aspect that still remains shrouded in mystery.
Additionally, it is rumored that the cap on Effort Values (EVs) has been increased to 512, granting an additional point that each Pokémon could distribute among its attributes. If this change is confirmed, it would affect the training process and could redefine many strategies in competitive play, as each Pokémon would have a slight additional advantage in its development.
As the launch approaches, questions about these changes are piling up. Competitive fans are eager about the possibility that these modifications will not only simplify the gaming experience but also create a more dynamic and accessible metagame. Pokémon Champions could represent a significant change in the series, with the potential to attract both new players and veterans seeking a more balanced and in-depth experience.