Free-to-Play Pokémon Game Is Shutting Down After 5 Years
Pokémon Unite, the free-to-play Pokémon battle arena game, will shut down permanently after five years, ending its availability on Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS. The closure means players will no longer be able to play online, though a planned Library feature will let them revisit their statistics and unlocked content.
The servers are due to close on 22 March 2027 at 9 p.m. ET, the day after the Pokémon UNITE Aeos Crown 2027 tournament final. The company has not explained why support is ending. Gems are no longer on sale, unused purchased Gems will be refunded after closure, and existing memberships cannot be renewed; a final update on 12 November 2026 will add an event and discounted items.
In short
- Pokémon Unite servers close on 22 March 2027.
- The game will leave Switch, Android and iOS.
- A Library feature will preserve stats and unlocked content.
Explained simply
Pokémon Unite is a free-to-play team battle game in which players control Pokémon and compete online. It is available on Nintendo Switch and mobile phones, and offers optional paid items and memberships.
The game is part of the wider Pokémon franchise, which is owned by The Pokémon Company. Players build up their collections and records over time, so ending online play affects access to matches as well as some of the content they have unlocked.
The closure also raises practical questions for players who have bought in-game currency or memberships. A planned Library feature is intended to preserve access to statistics and unlocked content after the servers close.