When does it go live?
Good news for phone battlers: Pokémon Champions arrives on iOS and Android on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. But because the world is a messy place with time zones, different regions will see the game unlock at different local times. No, you cannot bribe the servers (we checked).
Release times by region
Spain: 06:00 (6:00 AM) on June 17, 2026.
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay: 01:00 (1:00 AM) on June 17, 2026.
Chile, Cuba, Bolivia, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico: 00:00 (midnight) on June 17, 2026.
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Mexico (Central Time): 23:00 (11:00 PM) on June 16, 2026.
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica: 22:00 (10:00 PM) on June 16, 2026.
Season 3 starts instantly
The mobile launch coincides with the start of Season 3 — the new content drops right when your region’s clock hits the time above. In other words: no waiting in a virtual lobby while confetti loads; the new season is ready the minute the game unlocks for you.
How to download and how much space it needs
You can grab Pokémon Champions from the usual app stores (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android). It’s free to download, but you’ll need an Apple or Google account on your device. If you want to be first in line, pre-install the app so it updates automatically the moment it goes live.
Plan for about 2.3 GB of storage on both iPhone and Android versions — so maybe delete that 2013 selfie album you never looked at again.
Free login bonus: Mega Raichu (yes, really)
To celebrate the mobile launch, logging into the game anytime between June 17 and September 2 will net you a Raichu plus the items needed to access its Mega forms (Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y). It’s a freebie — like finding a French fry at the bottom of the bag.
Monetization, syncing, and competitive play
The game is free-to-play with optional in-app purchases and subscription options, similar to other Pokémon companion apps. You can play the free version without artificial barriers beyond device storage. If you use Pokémon HOME, your Switch and mobile collections can sync, so your progress won’t vanish into the void.
Also worth noting: Pokémon Champions is now the official platform for VGC tournaments, so mobile battles are legit competition-ready. You’ll be able to jump into ranked and tournament play from your phone once your region’s timer hits the launch time.
Final tips
Pre-install if you’re eager, clear about 2.3 GB if you’re short on space, and log in between June 17 and September 2 to snag that Mega Raichu gift. See you in the arena — and may your critical hits be merciful.
