The 2025 Pokémon World Championships have wrapped up, and the closing ceremony, hosted by The Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara, revealed exciting news for fans across all aspects of the franchise. Here’s a summary of the key announcements from the event, including a brand-new fan experience and updates to various Pokémon games.
Pokémon Champions Coming to the 2026 Pokémon World Championships
A new Pokémon game, currently titled Pokémon Champions, will be the official format for the 2026 Pokémon Championship Series. This title, launching in 2026 for both mobile and Nintendo Switch, aims to provide a fresh and competitive landscape for players. The transition to Pokémon Champions signifies a new era for competitive play, replacing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Further details regarding the game’s mechanics and features will be revealed in the coming months.
Empoleon, Dhelmise, and Vaporeon Joining the Pokémon Unite Roster
Pokémon Unite is expanding its roster with the addition of three new Pokémon. Empoleon made its debut on September 19th. Dhelmise and Vaporeon are also slated to arrive in the game soon, although their exact release dates remain under wraps. Details regarding their specific roles and move sets are yet to be announced, adding to the anticipation among Pokémon Unite players.
- Empoleon: Available from September 19th
- Dhelmise: Coming Soon
- Vaporeon: Coming Soon
Mega Evolution Coming to Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is set to introduce Mega Evolution cards in a new season launching this fall. This update brings fan-favorite Mega Pokémon into the digital card game. Players can look forward to collecting powerful Mega Pokémon ex cards, like Mega Altaria, Mega Gyarados, and Mega Blaziken, adding a new layer of strategy and excitement to their battles.
- New Season launching this Fall
- Mega Altaria
- Mega Gyarados
- Mega Blaziken
Legendary Pokémon Eternamax Eternatus Makes its Global Pokémon GO Debut
The colossal Legendary Pokémon, Eternamax Eternatus, is making its debut in Pokémon GO. After its initial appearance in Anaheim during the World Championships, a global event named Pokémon GO: Dark Skies will take place from August 18th-23rd, 2025, culminating in the Max Finale from August 23rd-25th. Players worldwide will have the chance to encounter Eternamax Eternatus and other Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon during this unticketed event, accessible through a free GO Pass: Max Finale.
Mega Charizard X and More Returning to Pokémon TCG
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is revisiting the popular Mega Evolution mechanic with new cards. Mega Charizard X ex, Mega Gardevoir ex, and Mega Lucario ex are among the cards showcased, boasting unique abilities and powerful attacks. Additionally, Oricorio ex was revealed, featuring the Excited Turb ability, which enhances Fire-type Mega Evolution Pokémon ex in play by attaching Basic Fire Energy from the player’s hand.
- Mega Charizard X ex
- Mega Gardevoir ex
- Mega Lucario ex
- Oricorio ex
4-Player Ranked Battles Coming to Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will introduce a new 4-player Ranked Battle system within the Z-A Battle Club. Trainers can participate in real-time Link Battles, either locally or online, with the goal of securing the most knockouts before a three-minute timer expires. Players can revive their Pokémon after they faint, ensuring continuous action. This mode allows for strategic team compositions and coordinated attacks, enhancing the game’s multiplayer experience.
PokémonXP, a New Pokémon Fan Experience, Coming to San Francisco
San Francisco will host PokémonXP, a brand-new event celebrating all things Pokémon, from August 28th-30th, 2026. This fan experience will coincide with the 2026 Pokémon World Championships at the Moscone Center. The event promises a wide array of Pokémon-themed activities and festivities for attendees of all ages. Passes go on sale September 17, 2025, and start at $120 for adult multi-day passes and $70 for youth under 18.
- August 28-30, 2026
- Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco
- Passes go on sale September 17, 2025
2026 Championship Sunday Taking Place at Chase Center in San Francisco
Championship Sunday at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships will take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This larger venue, known for hosting basketball games, boasts a seating capacity of over 18,000, significantly exceeding the capacity of previous Championship Sunday locations. This transition to a larger arena indicates the growing popularity of the Pokémon World Championships, allowing more fans to witness the final battles in person.
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