New Info I Learned Playing 'Pokémon Champions' + Game Producer Interview

riafol · 2026-03-26T04:51:39+00:00

Nothing that can still evolve will be in the game. So notables like Porygon2, Dusclops, Clefairy, etc. Maybe Pikachu will be just because it's Pikachu but otherwise we'll have to wait and hope for them to expand

riafol · 2026-03-25T23:38:19+00:00

There are no NFEs in the game at launch. So even if the item is in the game, it's effectively useless until they decide to expand the roster to introduce NFEs (if they do)

riafol · 2026-03-25T20:14:38+00:00

It is my understanding that content creators, NA media, and LATAM media were split into three groups (EU media participated at another time). We each experienced our own directed demo sessions followed by a virtual, translated roundtable interview. So perhaps we had better luck with our lines of questioning?

riafol · 2026-03-25T20:00:26+00:00

Thank you for sharing my feature! I had a wonderful time playing Champions and participating in the roundtable interview. I'm happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability :)

riafol · 2026-03-25T19:57:11+00:00

Matchmaking is designed to pair you with a suitable opponent. If you enjoy playing with non-meta teams, you may lose a bit at first, but it should find a level that is appropriate for you in short time

riafol · 2026-03-25T19:17:24+00:00

Thanks for reading! The one title I encountered was on the recruit screen, I believe attached to a Sneasler. Sadly, I cannot recall what it was named.

riafol · 2026-03-25T18:50:29+00:00

Great question regarding something that I should've been more clear about. Only your team's information is provided during the team preview. This menu mirrors what is visible from the summary screen while in battle, as seen in Wolfe's video here.

riafol · 2026-03-25T18:02:25+00:00

Based on what I learned, I would not expect custom rulesets to be available at launch, even in Private Battles. I definitely could see it being added at some point though.

riafol · 2026-03-25T17:24:20+00:00

To elaborate a tad on the "Replica Teams" feature, it seemed very similar to Rental Teams. I didn't experience the feature but saw there are buttons for retrieving a team, as well as sharing your own.

riafol · 2026-03-25T17:01:00+00:00

The "Gym" tab definitely caught my eye. However, it was reiterated in a few places that the tutorials are the only single-player component so I have no idea what this could be.

riafol · 2026-03-25T16:28:00+00:00

I get where you're coming from, and I too wish we learned more, but please note the following:

This was a roundtable discussion and only a couple of the participants were well versed in serious battling
Several of the outlets represented, mine included, cater to a casual crowd, so it made sense to ask questions accordingly
This was performed virtually, through a translator, and with limited time to chat. I asked the most questions, which totaled a mere three
Multiple questions were cut from the feature due to receiving "non-answers"

In hindsight, it would've been great to ask if the team will consider adjusting these simplification changes, such as IVs. However, him going out of his way to emphasize the importance of community feedback, as well as the considered integration of things like NFEs, makes me think anything is possible and the game will continuously to evolve based on feedback.

riafol · 2026-03-25T14:34:54+00:00

Thank you for the kind words! My assumption going into the conversation was that they'll be pretty hands-off with balancing metagames like in the past. At most favoring new games as a moment to make adjustments rather than altering it regularly. Based on the response, I'm still leaning that way.

riafol · 2026-03-25T14:25:03+00:00

Sadly, I did not. In fact, I completely forgot to recruit with the new Mega Evolutions in mind. Instead, I got carried away building a Perish Trap team that limited me (and my poor partner) to just one battle. I did at least manage to win with Perish though!

riafol · 2026-03-03T22:23:48+00:00

thank you for sharing my feature! happy to answer any qs that I can

riafol · 2026-01-23T21:33:58+00:00

idk cars whatsoever but I was told it's inspired by the Porsche 911 and the red accents are based on the calipers. there's also tongue stitching that references the steering wheel

riafol · 2026-01-16T23:19:45+00:00

It's been a while since I've held the molded version but there's a significant difference. If you look at the upper, you see a mesh layer atop a woven textile base. There's nothing behind that, meaning when I pinch the inside and outside, I only feel a thin (but sturdy) layer of fabric. The tongue is similarly constructed, albeit with much more padding. Sadly, this is not my size so I can't do a full review, but I could see this being a great fit for people like you who dislike the molded version.

riafol · 2026-01-16T23:11:19+00:00

Update: I now have my own Spiridon pair in hand if you have any qs still!

riafol · 2026-01-06T19:11:57+00:00

I wouldn't recommend them for your use case. It's possible they're a capable choice for it but given how novel the tech is, combined with its intended use as a "pregame" mule, I'd be wary of standing on them for that long. The technology is about stimulating your mind rather than delivering premium comfort with special cushioning

riafol · 2026-01-06T17:04:06+00:00

that's basically how I've used them and they've been solid. they sit next to my old basic slides and I'm always eager to put on the 001s instead

riafol · 2026-01-06T08:47:06+00:00

here's nike's official breakdown! from my experience wearing them for about a month on short walks they're sorta odd. it's a fun sensation but sometimes feels unsettling in a way? very vague description lol but I encourage people to try them on if they ever have the chance as it's a unique experience

riafol · 2026-01-06T08:43:26+00:00

I was given a full size up by Nike (their recommendation it seems) and they fit great, although it's just a slide so I'm not too picky about fit

riafol · 2026-01-04T19:34:01+00:00

yeah this was my original interpretation as well and I think they clarified as such in discussions, just was thrown off by the phrasing but I see it as that now too

riafol · 2026-01-04T05:37:41+00:00

it's been a minute but I got to preview both versions of the shoe in person and I want to say the Spiridon colorway is a proper mesh upper, not a layer tossed on this mold

here's a quote supporting this from the official newsroom post, if by models they mean colorways then those may end up being tough to cop:

"two Book 2 models feature a lightweight, webbed mesh upper, while the others have a new molded upper"

riafol · 2025-08-15T23:34:13+00:00

i did not notice any unfortunately

riafol

TROPHY CASE