Pokémon Unite shutting down: When is the end date, and what did the developers say?

You've probably heard by now that Pokémon Unite is being shut down, but when exactly is the game going to end, and what did the official sources say about this decision? Let's dive into the story to bring you some answers, shall we?

Fans with long memories will recall that Pokémon Unite first launched in July 2021 for Nintendo Switch, with its MOBA spin on battling providing a breath of fresh air at a time when players had plenty of time on their hands. The mobile version followed in September of the same year.

Jump forward five years, and the end of the line has been reached for Pokémon Unite.

Keep on reading and we'll run through the exact timing and the official statements on the matter.

Pokémon Unite will shut down on 23 March 2027 at midnight UK time, the game's developers have sadly confirmed.

On that date, the online services of the game will end, meaning that you won't be able to log on and battle people anymore. That is, indeed, the whole point of the game.

However, the game's library feature will continue working, if you've downloaded the library data download before the end of service.

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What was said about Pokémon Unite shutting down?

No official reasoning for this decision was announced, but an official statement about the cancellation was made on the Pokémon website, and it spelled out the following message.

"Thank you for playing Pokémon UNITE. We regret to inform you that service for Pokémon UNITE (Nintendo Switch version and mobile device version) will end on March 23, 2027, at 00:00 UTC.

"After service ends, players will no longer be able to log in to the game or participate in battles. Players who complete the library data download before service ends will still be able to access the library feature. For more information regarding the library feature, see the announcement here."

The separate webpage about the library feature added: "On November 12, 2026 there will be an update that includes a special event and a 'library' feature. During the event, players will be able to obtain various items, including Unite licenses and Holowear that have appeared in the game up until this time.

"The library feature will allow players to view certain records and in-game content even after the service ends. Players who complete the required library data download before the end of service on March 23, 2027, at 00:00 UTC will be able to use the library feature to view certain records and in-game content. Players who do not complete the required download before service ends will not be able to use the library feature afterward."

And so, this is how a game dies. Not with a bang, but with a bland corporate-speak message and a stolid final update. Regardless, we'll be sure to keep bringing you Pokémon news as and when we see it.

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Authors

Rob Leane is the Gaming Editor at Radio Times, overseeing our coverage of the biggest games on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, mobile and VR. Rob works across our website, social media accounts and video channels, as well as producing our weekly gaming newsletter. He has previously worked at Den of Geek, Stealth Optional and Dennis Publishing.