Free-to-Play Pokémon Game Is Shutting Down After 5 Years
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
New coverage confirms that Pokémon Unite will close on 22 March 2027, ending the free-to-play game after five years. It will become unavailable on Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS, although players will be able to use a planned Library feature to look back at their statistics and unlocked content.
The closure is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, the day after the Pokémon UNITE Aeos Crown 2027 tournament final. The Pokémon Company has not given a reason for ending support. Gems are no longer for sale, unused purchased Gems will be refunded after the service ends, and memberships will continue until expiry but cannot be renewed. A final update on 12 November 2026 will add an event and discounted items.
- Sources
- 2
- Outlets
- 2
- Left · Centre · Right
- 0 · 0 · 0
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.
How this story developed
- 4 minutes ago 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.
- 7 minutes ago New coverage confirms that Pokémon Unite will close on 22 March 2027, ending the free-to-play game after five years.
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.