New Game · Regulation M-A · Launched April 8, 2026

POKÉMON
CHAMPIONS

Pokémon Champions launched April 8, 2026 on Nintendo Switch. Mega Evolution returns, SP/VP replaces EV training, and all Legendary/Paradox Pokémon are banned — reshaping competitive doubles entirely.

01 Game Overview

Basic Info
Launch Date2026.04.08
PlatformNintendo Switch / Switch 2
Format4v4 Doubles
Level CapLv.50(auto-set)
Current RulesetRegulation M-A
Reg M-A Until2026.06.17
Key Highlights
Mega Evolution returns! 59 Megas, once per battle
No legendaries/paradox/ruins — more balanced meta
SP/VP replaces EV training — transparent and beginner-friendly
Terastallization retained, once per battle
Bring 6, choose 4 — same as traditional VGC

Important: Pokémon Champions is a standalone new game, not a SV update. SV Regulation I continues to run concurrently. Both formats are active — understanding both gives you a competitive advantage.

02 Regulation M-A Rules

Core Rules
👥Doubles — 2 vs 2 simultaneously
🎯Bring 6, choose 4 to battle
📊All set to Level 50 automatically
🔮Mega Evolution: once per battle only
💎Terastallization: once per battle
⏱️45 seconds per turn
🚫No duplicate species (Species Clause)
🎒No duplicate held items (Item Clause)

Banned Categories

🏆
All Legendary Pokémon
Mewtwo, Koraidon, Miraidon, Zacian, etc.
🌀
All Paradox Pokémon
Flutter Mane, Iron Hands, all Ancient/Future Paradox forms
⚠️
Treasures of Ruin
Chien-Pao, Chi-Yu, Ting-Lu, Wo-Chien
🔮
All Mythical Pokémon
Mew, Jirachi, Darkrai, Diancie, etc.

03 Mega Evolution Guide

59 Mega Evolutions are available in Regulation M-A. Only one Mega per battle — timing is critical. Key competitive picks:

📌

Key: Mega Evolution changes the Pokémon’s Ability. E.g. Mega Kangaskhan gets Parental Bond (hits twice, 0.25× on 2nd hit); Mega Medicham gets Pure Power (doubles effective Attack).

Mega
Mega Charizard XFire/Dragon
Tough Claws — Fire/Dragon physical powerhouse
Mega
Mega Charizard YFire/Flying
Drought — sets sun, massive Sp.Atk under sun
Mega
Mega KangaskhanNormal
Parental Bond — all moves hit twice (0.25× second hit)
Mega
Mega GengarGhost/Poison
Shadow Tag — traps opponent, strong Ghost coverage
Mega
Mega GarchompDragon/Ground
Sand Force — physical sweeper with Ground/Dragon STAB
Mega
Mega LucarioFighting/Steel
Adaptability — Fighting/Steel coverage with boosted STAB
Mega
Mega GyaradosWater/Dark
Mold Breaker — Water/Dark physical attacker with Intimidate pressure
Mega
Mega TyranitarRock/Dark
Sand Stream — massive stats with auto-sandstorm
Mega
Mega MedichamFighting/Psychic
Pure Power — doubles effective Attack stat
Mega
Mega AmpharosElectric/Dragon
Mold Breaker — Electric/Dragon special attacker
Mega
Mega LopunnyNormal/Fighting
Scrappy — hits Ghost types with Normal/Fighting STAB
When to Mega Evolve — Timing Strategy
Ability changes immediately on Mega. You can select Mega + a move in the same turn — they happen together.
Only one Mega per battle total — don’t waste it in losing positions. Save for the critical moment.
Mega Evolution requires the corresponding Mega Stone held by the Pokémon. No Mega Stone = no Mega.

04 SP/VP Training System (Replaces EVs)

Champions replaces the traditional EV system with a transparent SP (Stat Points) system. Fewer numbers, better UI, same underlying logic.

ItemSV (EV)Champions (SP)
Total Points510 EV66 SP
Per-stat Cap252 EV32 SP
To Max One Stat252 EV32 SP
Ratio4 EV = +1 stat≈1 SP = +1-2 stats
Currency CostItems (Vitamins, etc.)5 VP per SP
Visual UINumber inputIntuitive sliders
66 SP
Total SP per Pokémon
Far fewer than SV’s 510 EVs, but each point has more direct impact.
32 SP
Max SP per Stat
Speed and main damage stat typically get 32. Remaining points go to bulk.
5 VP
Cost per SP
Fully training one Pokémon costs 330 VP. VP earned through Ranked Battles.

05 Champions Reg M-A vs SV Regulation I

AspectSV Regulation IChampions Reg M-A
PlatformNintendo Switch (S/V)New standalone game (Switch/Switch 2)
Mega Evolution✅ (59 Megas, once per battle)
Restricted Legendaries✅ (up to 2 per team)❌ (all banned)
Paradox Pokémon✅ (allowed)❌ (all banned)
Treasures of Ruin✅ (allowed)❌ (all banned)
Terastallization✅ (once per battle)✅ (once per battle)
Training SystemIV/EVSP/VP
Battle LevelLv.50Lv.50
Team SizeBring 6, pick 4Bring 6, pick 4

06 Key Notes for Players

🎮
Two formats run concurrently

SV Regulation I and Champions Regulation M-A run simultaneously as official formats. Understand both rulesets — international events will gradually transition to Champions.

Champions has a lower learning curve

No restricted legendaries or paradox Pokémon makes entry easier for new players. However, Mega abilities like Parental Bond (Kangaskhan) and Pure Power (Medicham) require extra study.

💰
SP system is more competitive-friendly

Champions’ SP system is more transparent than SV’s EV training. 66 SP total, max 32 per stat — no complex formulas needed, accessible for all skill levels.

🏅
2026 Global Challenge I uses Regulation M-A

The first major online event (May 1-4) uses Champions Regulation M-A. Indianapolis Regional is the first in-person event (May 30-31). Key CP opportunities for Taiwan players.