If you're new to competitive Pokémon battles, you can start on your phone with the mobile version of Pokémon Champions. However, if you want to compete at the top level, such as at the Pokémon World Championships, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch. The mobile version is currently banned from high-level tournaments, though the exact reasons for this rule aren't fully explained. The mobile version was released in June, after the Switch and Switch 2 versions, which came out in April. The gameplay experience is nearly the same across all platforms, and the choice often depends on what devices players have available. At this year’s World Championships, the mobile version of Champions was not allowed in official competition. But starting September 1st, some local tournaments will permit the mobile version, while regional and higher-level events still require a Switch. During a roundtable interview, Champions producer Masaaki Hoshino mentioned that the Switch is preferred due to the better graphics on the Switch 2 and the challenges of managing different mobile devices. While cross-platform play was initially a concern, the issue seems to be resolved now that both versions are available. Mobile devices aren’t an issue in other competitive Pokémon games. For example, Pokémon Unite, which is available on PC and consoles, is allowed in high-level play. Pokémon Go, which is only on mobile, also has competitive matches that are streamed similarly to Champions events. Pokémon Champions has been downloaded about 25 million times across Switch 2 and mobile platforms. Since the number is higher than the total Switch 2 user base, it's likely that several million of those downloads were on mobile devices. Building a competitive team is the same whether you play on a phone or a Switch. Nearly all the Pokémon needed for a team can be obtained through the gacha-style “recruit” feature in Champions. Players who already own Switch Pokémon games can transfer their Pokémon using Pokémon Home, which makes the process faster, but it’s still possible to build a competitive team without spending money. Training Pokémon has also become faster, with tasks that used to take hours now taking only minutes. However, a specific Pokémon called Eternal Flower Floette has been criticized for being too reliant on in-game purchases, which some see as unfair. Players without a Switch can start competing on mobile and even qualify for the World Championships. However, they won’t be able to compete at the event itself due to the hardware requirement. This rule may conflict with the game’s goal of being inclusive and accessible, as it limits participation for those who can’t afford a Switch.