Pokémon Champions mobile launch gives Mega Pokémon new abilities

Pokémon Champions is now on mobile, and the launch has arrived with a real ranked shake-up. The iOS and Android release allows more players to join the same battle pool as Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 users. Meanwhile, Regulation Set M-B introduces new Pokémon, held items, and Ability options for Mega Pokémon.

The update is most important for players who care about ranked battles. Several Mega forms from Pokémon Legends: Z-A did not have normal Abilities in that game, so Pokémon Champions is now showing how they work in a more traditional competitive format.

The mobile version launched on June 17 for iOS and Android. Cross-platform play allows phone players to battle against Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 players. This means they are no longer limited to a separate version of the game.

That helps a game built around ranked matches. More players usually means faster matchmaking, more team variety, and a better test for the new Regulation Set M-B rules.

The game is still free-to-start, with optional purchases. Players can also use Pokémon HOME support to bring some of their older Pokémon into Pokémon Champions. This gives longtime fans a reason to connect the game with the rest of the Pokémon series.

Regulation Set M-B started with the mobile launch and runs through early September. The format adds more Pokémon, more held items, and a new set of Mega choices for ranked battles.

The new Mega list includes Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Staraptor, Mega Scolipede, Mega Scrafty, Mega Eelektross, Mega Pyroar, Mega Malamar, Mega Barbaracle, Mega Dragalge, and Mega Falinks. A Mega Pokémon often decides how a team is built, and its Ability can change whether it works as a fast attacker, support pick, defensive switch-in, or setup threat.

Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y are the easiest new picks for many players to test because of the free Raichu distribution. Players can claim Raichu with Raichunite X and Raichunite Y through the in-game mailbox for a limited time.

Mega Raichu X gets Electric Surge, which sets Electric Terrain when it enters battle. That boosts Electric-type moves for grounded Pokémon and stops grounded Pokémon from falling asleep.

Mega Raichu Y gets No Guard, meaning moves from both sides will always connect. That opens the door for stronger but less accurate attacks, though players will also need to be careful because opponents benefit from the same rule.

Most of the new Mega Ability assignments use names competitive players already know. Mega Scrafty gets Intimidate, Mega Falinks gets Defiant, Mega Barbaracle gets Tough Claws, and Mega Dragalge gets Regenerator.

Eelevate belongs to Mega Eelektross. It makes the Pokémon immune to Ground-type moves and ground hazards, then raises its highest stat after it beats an opponent. It boosts Fire-type moves by 50 percent, which gives Pyroar a direct role as a stronger Fire attacker without needing extra setup first.

Without a ranked update, the mobile launch could have felt like just another platform release. However, Regulation M-B gives both new and returning players new content to try right away.

Mobile players can jump in while the format is still fresh, claim the Raichu gift, and start learning which new Megas are worth building around. Switch players also get a larger player base and a ranked season that should feel different from the last one.

The next few weeks will show which of these Mega Pokémon actually hold up in real battles. Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Eelektross, and Mega Pyroar are the obvious early picks to watch because their Abilities change how teams are built from turn one.