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There's been a lot of talk about the free-to-play MOBA Pokémon Unite potentially winding down since it was officially dropped from the World Championships in July, and The Pokémon Company has today announced it's ending the service.
This will be taking place on 23rd March 2027, and applies to "both the Nintendo Switch and mobile device version" of the game. Here's the official notice about the "end-of-service" from the game's website:
"We offer our sincerest gratitude to the many Trainers who have played since service started for the Nintendo Switch version on July 21, 2021. We would like to express our thanks to everyone by holding a special event until service ends. The Pokémon UNITE Aeos Crown 2027 Tokyo competitive tournament (an event for Pokémon UNITE only) will also be held as previously announced. We hope you continue to enjoy Pokémon UNITE until the final day of service. After service ends, the “Pokémon UNITE Game Content Guidelines for Online Platforms” will no longer be published or maintained, and we will no longer provide support regarding use of Pokémon UNITE video and images."
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Alongside this news, TPC has announced it's suspending Aeos gem sales "as of today". These gems can still be used until the end of the service. There's also a suspension of new Unite club membership purchases and automatic renewals.
Ahead of the game's end-of-service, there will also be a "special event and update". This will allow players to obtain various items, including Unite licenses and Holowear, and there will also be a new "Library" feature added to the game. This feature will allow players to view certain records and in-game content. Here's a bit more about the Library:
"Even after service ends, players who complete the required library data download before Tuesday, 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.
"After service ends on Tuesday, March 23, 2027, players will no longer be able to log in to the game or participate in battles. Players who completed the required library data download before service ends will still be able to access the library feature. Library data generally cannot be transferred when changing devices, and support for the library feature will not be available after service ends. Players may reach out to Support for any issues before Tuesday, March 23, 2027, at 00:00 UTC."
You can read more details about Pokémon Unite's end-of-service on the official game website. As noted above, the Aeos Crown 2027 Tokyo Competitive Crown will still go ahead.