Pokémon Champions has been released free in the wild for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 players today, but fans are upset about the title’s shortcomings at launch.
Pokémon Champions was revealed to the world in February, and today, it has been unleashed on the masses for Nintendo consoles globally. While initially promoted for smartphones and consoles, only the console version has been launched, and fans can jump in and get to battling. Except on arrival, fans have taken to internet forums and social media to drop their complaints about the title and its shortcomings. Following the recent controversy surrounding the Pokémon Go regionals (where tournament regulators stripped Firestar73 for celebrating), this is the second time this week that fans have been outwardly frustrated regarding Pokémon.
Unlike standard Pokémon fare, Pokémon Champions was touted as a title built entirely around battling other players. It uses the same core systems fans already know (so Pokemaniacs will know how to build their team on hand), and deploying strategy will be key to triumphing over opponents.
Matches take place in Single Battles or Double Battles with teams of six Pokémon. Except, on launch, there’s no 6v6 mode (the traditional battle style of Pokémon), and fans aren’t happy with how few creatures are available in-game on launch. One fan even pointed out (on ResetEra) that the title has fewer creatures than Pokémon Stadium 2, which was released 25 years ago and is currently playable on Nintendo Switch consoles.
On X, fans have gone rampant with their claims. While a common complaint is that Pokémon Champions needs to online connectivity and it doesn’t have a ‘PvE’ mode, one player writes “It never had local wireless battles it’s a new game that’s meant for online only battles you can do local wireless from normal pokemon games,” saying that these features were never promised, some just didn’t read what the title is about. Other fan complaints echo the sentiment that only 186 creatures are available at launch, which stifles one of Pokémon’s best features.
Other fans (playing on both Nintendo Switch consoles) have said the title’s performance is awful, even after a Switch 2 title update. One fan on ResetEra likened the launch to a beta, saying, “This really feels like a beta test,” although they overall liked their experience with the title. Another fan doesn’t understand why it runs poorly, saying, “If Cyberpunk works on Switch 2, I don’t understand why this game is going to run at 30fps.”
Other fans on X have a grounded approach, comparing Pokémon Champions to Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel and Pokémon Unite, saying the title has been out for less than a day, so of course, it will have issues and lack content. One fan writes on launch, “Master Duel didn’t have even half of the card game in it… Just give it time.”
While reception appears to be a mixed bag, Pokémon Champions is out now on both Nintendo consoles, so fans can dive in today with their free-to-start model and start battling. As a bonus, fans can also acquire a Machamp recruit for free by using the Mystery Gift code CHAMP10N until August. Just know the title requires an internet connection.
