Pokémon UNITE is ending its service. Both the Nintendo Switch and mobile versions will shut down on March 23, 2027, at 9:00 AM. This comes roughly a month after the game was featured as an official esports medal event at the Asian Games.
Pokémon UNITE announced its shutdown schedule through an official website notice on October 27, KST. This comes over five years after service began on Nintendo Switch on July 21, 2021. Payment functions for in-game purchases were suspended alongside the announcement. Sales of Aeos Gems, as well as new sign-ups and auto-renewals for UNITE Club memberships, were discontinued as of 2:00 PM on October 27. Previously purchased gems can be used until the end of service, and existing members will continue to receive benefits for their remaining valid period.
The schedule leading up to the shutdown was also released. An update featuring a special event and a 'Library' feature will launch on November 12. Through the event, players can obtain various items previously released, including Unite Licenses and Holowear. The Library feature will allow players to view battle records, acquired licenses, Holowear, and other in-game content even after service ends.
However, players must download the necessary data before the shutdown, as it cannot be accessed afterward if missed. Additionally, this data generally cannot be transferred when changing devices.
After service ends, both logging in and participating in battles will be blocked. Guidelines regarding the use of videos and images, along with associated rights, will also lose effect upon shutdown.
However, tournaments will take place as scheduled. The 'Pokémon UNITE Aeos Crown 2027 Tokyo' competitive tournament will begin qualifiers sequentially starting December 5, with the finals held in Tokyo on March 20 and 21, 2027. This marks the game's final tournament, concluding just two days before service ends. Previously in July, the official website announced that Pokémon UNITE would be excluded from the 2027 Pokémon World Championships and instead host this separate tournament.
Meanwhile, Pokémon UNITE was featured as an official esports medal event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September this year. A total of 58 players from 10 countries competed, with the South Korean national team earning a bronze medal.
