Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jun 3
Pokémon Champions Launches on Mobile June 17 as Mega Raichu X and Y Abilities Emerge
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jun 3

Pokémon Champions Launches on Mobile June 17 as Mega Raichu X and Y Abilities Emerge

2 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jun 3

Summary

  • June 17 is the iOS and Android launch date for Pokémon Champions, with The Pokémon Company pairing the release news with new playable Mega Raichu forms.
  • Mega Raichu X will carry Electric Surge and Mega Raichu Y will use No Guard, abilities revealed as part of the mobile rollout announcement.
  • Free in-game rewards will unlock those forms in Champions, tying the character giveaway directly to the mobile debut.
  • The distribution starts June 17 and runs through September 2 across mobile and Switch, extending content from the game’s April Switch release.

Insights

Is this free Mega Raichu a 30th-anniversary gift or a tactic to dominate the mobile market?
With two powerful Mega Evolutions, will Raichu finally dominate the 2026 competitive Pokémon scene?
Pokémon Champions is standardizing stats. Is this the end of breeding and grinding in Pokémon forever?