It’s been years since Pokkén Tournament DX first landed on the Nintendo Switch, and yet, there’s still something about the way Machamp lands a Close Combat that feels better than almost any other fighting game. People keep asking if the game is "dead," but if you hop into a ranked match today in 2026, you’re still going to get your teeth kicked in by a Pikachu Libre player who has been practicing since 2017.
The Pokken Tournament Switch roster is weird. It’s a mix of fan favorites like Charizard and absolute "who invited this guy?" picks like Croagunk. But that’s exactly why it works. It isn't just another 2D fighter; it’s a weird hybrid that actually makes you feel like you’re controlling a Pokémon rather than just a set of hitboxes.
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The Full Breakdown of the Pokken Tournament Switch Roster
When the game moved from the Wii U to the Switch, it got a serious glow-up. We didn't just get a port; we got the arcade characters that Nintendo "forgot" to give Wii U owners, plus some brand-new faces.
Basically, you’re looking at 21 characters out of the box, plus 2 DLC fighters if you grabbed the Battle Pack. That brings the grand total to 23 playable Pokémon.
The Standard Fighters
These are your "all-rounders." They don't usually have a crazy gimmick that breaks the game, but they’re solid in almost any situation.
- Lucario: The poster boy. He’s got the Aura Sphere for zoning and some of the most reliable combos in the game.
- Pikachu: Faster than he has any right to be. His Thunderbolt is a nightmare to dodge in Field Phase.
- Mewtwo: He’s a powerhouse, but he actually uses up some of his Synergy Gauge to perform certain moves. It’s a high-risk, high-reward style.
- Blaziken: If you like pressing buttons, this is your bird. He deals massive damage but actually hurts himself a little bit with his most powerful kicks.
- Suicune: A legendary dog that fights like a tank. Lots of long-range beams.
- Empoleon: One of the arcade additions. He’s heavy, slow, but has a slide move that catches people off guard constantly.
- Decidueye: The only real "Switch exclusive" when the game launched. He can hover in the air, making him a nightmare for characters like Machamp who want to stay on the ground.
The Powerhouses (The "Big Boys")
These characters are all about getting in your face and ending the round in three hits.
- Machamp: The quintessential grappler. If he catches you with a Submission, say goodbye to a third of your health bar.
- Charizard: He flies. He breathes fire. He’s exactly what you expect. Seismic Toss is still his most satisfying move.
- Garchomp: He’s "scary" personified. His Dig move allows him to travel under projectiles and pop up right under your nose.
- Scizor: He uses "Swords Dance" to buff his next move. If you let a Scizor player stack up their charges, you’re basically already dead.
Technical and Speed Archetypes: The Real Skill Gap
This is where the Pokken Tournament Switch roster gets complicated. If you’re playing a Technical character, you aren't just fighting the opponent; you’re managing a mini-game.
Darkrai is the best example of this. He’s probably the hardest character to learn in the entire game. He places "rifts" on the stage that he can detonate later. If he lands a specific move, he pulls the opponent into a "Nightmare" state where his moveset completely changes and becomes much more oppressive. It’s terrifying to watch a pro play him.
Then you have the Speedsters. Sceptile is all about traps and agility. He can hang from the ceiling (well, the invisible ceiling of the arena) and drop seeds that explode. Weavile is just pure aggression. If you blink, Weavile has already hit you six times and retreated across the map.
And then... there’s Braixen. Honestly, Braixen is kind of a menace. She’s technically a "Standard" type, but she plays like a zoner. She has a stick. She shoots fire. She’s surprisingly good at keeping people away, which makes her a frequent pick in high-level tournaments.
The Weird Ones
- Chandelure: It’s a literal chandelier. It has a move that minimizes its own hitbox by shrinking. It’s the ultimate "anti-meta" pick because its projectiles fill the entire screen.
- Croagunk: He’s basically a joke character that became top-tier. His moves have random properties. Sometimes he throws a rock, sometimes he throws a giant boulder. It’s pure chaos.
- Gardevoir: The queen of zoning. If you like staying on the opposite side of the screen and making your opponent frustrated, Gardevoir is the choice.
What About the DLC?
If you’re looking at your character select screen and seeing two empty slots, you’re missing the Battle Pack.
- Aegislash: This was Wave 1. It’s a Technical fighter that switches between Blade Form and Shield Form. In Shield Form, his defense is insane. In Blade Form, he’s a glass cannon.
- Blastoise: Wave 2 brought the big turtle. He’s a Power character but plays more like a mobile artillery unit. He can use "Shell Cannon" to blast people from distance, and he has a unique "Rapid Spin" that helps him close the gap.
People often ask if the DLC is worth it. Honestly? Yeah. Aegislash is one of the most unique fighters in any game I've played, and Blastoise finally completed the Kanto starter trio. It felt wrong not having him there from the start.
The Support Pokémon: The "Secret" Roster
You can’t talk about the roster without the supports. There are over 30 support pairs in the Switch version. You pick one pair before the match starts, and you can call them in once your support gauge fills up.
Some are simple, like Snivy, who just hits the opponent into the air for a combo extension. Others, like Mimikyu, are pure debuff machines. In the current meta, players lean heavily on supports that can break through "Counter" attacks or provide a quick heal, like Eevee.
Actionable Tips for Picking Your Main
Choosing a character in Pokkén isn't like choosing a Pokémon in the RPGs. You shouldn't just pick your favorite. You need to pick based on how you handle the "Phase Shift" mechanic.
- If you struggle with the 3D Field Phase: Pick Garchomp or Lucario. They have strong "homing attacks" that make it easier to transition the game into the 2D Duel Phase.
- If you love 2D traditional fighters: Go with Machamp or Scizor. They excel when the camera locks into that side-view perspective.
- If you want to win by tilting your opponent: Master Chandelure or Darkrai. There is nothing more tilting for a new player than getting hit by a laser from a sentient light fixture.
Final Reality Check
The Pokken Tournament Switch roster is likely finished. With no sequel announced as of early 2026, what you see is what you get. But that’s fine. The balance is in a really good place right now. Even "lower tier" characters like Suicune can win majors if the player knows the matchups well enough.
If you’re just starting out, go into the Daily Challenge mode. It forces you to play different characters from the roster every day. It’s the fastest way to realize that while you might love Charizard, you’re actually a natural at playing a psychic chandelier.
Next Steps:
- Check your version: Ensure you have the "DX" version on Switch (the Wii U version is missing 7 fighters).
- Unlock Shadow Mewtwo: You don't actually have to buy him; you unlock him by playing through the Ferrum League story mode.
- Lab the DLC: If you have the Battle Pack, spend 20 minutes in training with Aegislash. His stance-dancing is the most rewarding mechanic to learn in the game.