Game Freak suggested that Pokémon’s battle system could undergo further major changes, while Pokémon Champions was partly developed to preserve the series’ turn-based combat. The game is available on console and mobile and will support competitive play going forward.
Kazumasa Iwao wanted to retain turn-based combat for players who had enjoyed it for decades, particularly as Pokémon Legends Arceus and Pokémon Legends Z-A moved away from that style. Pokémon Champions launched on console in April and mobile in June, supports importing Pokémon for battles and stat changes, and is intended for future competitive play. The battle format for Pokémon Winds and Waves, due next year on Nintendo Switch 2, remains undisclosed.
Pokémon Champions gives players a continuing turn-based battle option as the main series’ combat direction remains open to further change. It also leaves an important expectation unresolved for Pokémon Winds and Waves: its battle format has not yet been revealed.
Current confidence for this signal is 62/100; we continue to monitor additional independent sources to adjust the assessment.
Start with the primary evidence, then review supporting sources and context.
Jordan Middler
“The Pokémon developer says Champions was made in part to preserve the classic rules”
Recommended from Nintendo topics and recent confidence changes
According to the supplied post, Game Freak said the classic turn-based battle system could disappear or change substantially in future main-series Pokémon games, while Pokémon Champions was created to preserve that gameplay.
A Nintendo of America promotional presents Stellar Blade Complete Edition for Nintendo Switch 2, targeting a 2026 release and featuring EVE-led action-adventure gameplay with Joy-Con 2 support, including fishing.
Nintendo’s trailer announces that Order of the Sinking Star will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on October 8, 2026, with more than 1,000 interconnected hand-crafted puzzles, playable heroes, and evolving gameplay mechanics.
Polygon.com reported that a new Japanese trailer for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave may hint at a time skip, though the outlet noted nothing has been officially confirmed. The piece points to character redesigns in the footage as possible evidence.
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