Pokemon Unite, an online competitive game using Pokemon, will end service about 5 years and 8 months after its launch. The shutdown applies to both Nintendo Switch and mobile users. Special events and a separate international tournament will be held before the end of service.

Engadget reported on Oct. 27 that The Pokemon Company announced it will end service for Pokemon Unite at 0000 UTC on March 23, 2027, or 9 a.m. in South Korea. After that, players will no longer be able to access the game or play online matches.

Pokemon Unite is a free multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by TiMi Studio, a unit of China's Tencent. It uses a 5-versus-5 team format in which players choose Pokemon and compete against the opposing team for points. It launched on Nintendo Switch in July 2021 and expanded to mobile in September that year. It also supported cross-play across different platforms.

Along with the announcement, The Pokemon Company stopped selling Aeos Gems, its paid in-game currency. It also ended new sign-ups and automatic renewals for Unite Membership, a monthly subscription service. Gems already purchased can be used until the service ends, and membership subscribers keep benefits until their subscription period expires.

A farewell event for users has also been prepared. An update on Nov. 12 will add special events and a library function. Players can use coins earned from missions and login bonuses to obtain past Pokemon licenses and outfits. The in-game shop will also run discounts of up to 80 percent.

The library is a function that allows players to check match records and items obtained even after the service ends. Users must download any necessary data before the shutdown. In principle, saved data cannot be transferred to another device, and related support will not be provided after the service ends.

Pokemon Unite was excluded from the official lineup of the 2027 Pokemon World Championships, but a separate international tournament, Aeos Crown 2027 Tokyo, will be held as scheduled. Qualifiers begin on Dec. 5, and the finals will be held in Tokyo on March 20 to 21 next year.

The Pokemon Company did not disclose a specific reason for ending service for Pokemon Unite.