Pokémon Champions has established itself as the premier arena for competitive VGC action, yet its debut earlier this year felt incomplete, lacking several highly anticipated features. Fortunately, the developers have finally addressed these omissions: a mobile version of the game is launching on June 17, and it arrives alongside the debut of the elusive Mega Raichu X and Y forms.
One of the core promises of Pokémon Champions was its cross-platform functionality. Players were eager for a seamless experience that allowed them to enjoy the polished visuals of their Nintendo Switch at home while retaining the ability to engage in tactical battles on the go. After a two-month wait, that vision is finally becoming a reality.
The absence of Mega Raichu at launch was a point of confusion for many, especially given the Pokémon’s prominence in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While the game boasts an expansive roster, the inclusion of other Mega Evolutions made the exclusion of Pikachu’s evolved form feel like a glaring oversight. It appears The Pokémon Company was simply waiting for the mobile launch to drop these forms as a high-profile incentive for new and returning players.
To celebrate this expansion, all players can claim Raichu along with both the Raichunite X and Raichunite Y held items at no cost. According to official announcements, these items will be distributed via in-game mail from June 17, 2026, through September 2, 2026, for both Switch and mobile users.
This update also marks the beginning of a fresh rotation for the competitive circuit. The introduction of Mega Raichu X and Y is set to define the game’s second major competitive season, and the community is eager to see how these powerful variants influence the current meta.
Those looking to dive in on mobile can initiate their pre-registration on iOS and Android starting today. For a deeper look at the game’s mechanics, feel free to read our full review, where we explore the robust battle engine contrasted against the game’s occasionally uneven presentation.
