The Pokemon Company and developer TiMi Studio Group have announced that Pokemon Unite, the mobile and Nintendo Switch MOBA, will officially shut down on March 23, 2027. The shutdown follows the Aeos Crown 2027 tournament and comes after Nintendo ceased sales of the game's premium in-game currency, Aeos Gems. "We offer our sincerest gratitude to the many Trainers who have played since service started for the Nintendo Switch version on July 21, 2021," the companies stated. "We hope you continue to enjoy Pokemon Unite until the final day of service."
While online matches will conclude in March 2027, players will be able to download a new Library update. This update will allow them to access their career progress and stats, and engage in practice rounds. Despite maintaining a dedicated player base, Pokemon Unite did not achieve the same widespread success as other Pokemon spin-off titles and was notably absent from the 2027 Pokemon World Championships. Speculation about the game's longevity had been present among fans, particularly with the release of the battle-focused Pokemon Champions earlier this year.
Pokemon Unite joins a list of Nintendo mobile titles that have seen their services ended, similar to Mario Kart Tour. In contrast, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp has transitioned to a permanently free, microtransaction-free version. As the year concludes, Pokemon fans can anticipate the upcoming release of Pokemon Winds and Waves, a new mainline entry that marks a lengthy wait between installments. Early teasers suggest that the longtime developer Game Freak is focusing on this new chapter for the franchise.