Pokémon Champions could expand to 10000 species as producer outlines long term plan

Pokémon Champions producer Masaaki Hoshino has indicated that the franchise could eventually expand to include as many as 10,000 species, as the upcoming title is designed to operate as a long-term platform.

Pokémon Champions is being developed as a battle-focused game centred on competitive play, with an emphasis on ongoing updates rather than a traditional single-player format.

The title is intended to evolve alongside the wider Pokémon franchise, incorporating future additions over time.

Speaking during a group interview attended by GamesRadar+, Hoshino explained that the project is being built to continue “basically forever” as long as the franchise itself remains active.

He added that this long-term approach could eventually see the number of Pokémon grow significantly, stating the possibility of “2,000, 3,000, maybe 10,000 Pokémon.”

The series has taken nearly three decades to surpass 1,000 species, with the current National Dex standing at 1,025 across nine generations. Historically, each generation has introduced around 100 or more new Pokémon, gradually expanding the roster.

Hoshino clarified that while the goal is to include as many Pokémon as possible, not all species will be available simultaneously.

Instead, the development team plans to rotate available Pokémon through different “blocks,” similar to Regulation Sets used in competitive events. This system is intended to maintain balance within the game’s competitive environment.

With more than 1,000 species already in existence, maintaining gameplay balance presents a significant challenge. Hoshino noted that allowing all Pokémon to be used at once could create a “complicated situation,” particularly as the roster continues to grow.