Pokémon announces Nintendo Switch game shutdown with no way of playing past 'death date'

A popular Pokémon game on Nintendo Switch is shutting down in March 2027, leaving fans unable to play battles once its servers go offline. However, there's one important step players can take to preserve some of their in-game content before the shutdown date arrives.

Since making its debut in the mid-90s, the Pokémon franchise has become an entertainment powerhouse, with animated series, movies, toys and countless video game sequels and spin-offs.

One such spin-off is Pokémon UNITE, a free-to-play MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) released on Nintendo Switch in 2021 before coming to mobile devices later that year. Developed by TiMi Studio Group, it brings Pokémon into team-based arena battles similar to League of Legends and Dota 2. Sadly, however, the game is shutting down on March 23, 2027.

Why is Pokémon UNITE shutting down?

The Pokémon Company hasn't explained why Pokémon UNITE is shutting down, leaving fans to speculate about the decision.

Some players have raised concerns about its monetisation, matchmaking and overall direction. The game was also left out of the 2027 Pokémon World Championships, raising questions about its future in esports. However, the company hasn't confirmed whether any of these factors are related to the shutdown.

In a July 2025 blog post celebrating Pokémon UNITE's fourth anniversary, the developers announced that the game had surpassed 200 million downloads. While that's a significant milestone, downloads alone don't tell us how many people still play the game, so it's difficult to say whether its popularity played any part in the decision.

“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,” reads the official announcement.

“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 ‘Guidelines in Regards to the Use of Video and Images from Pokémon UNITE’ will no longer be published or maintained, and we will no longer provide support regarding use of Pokémon UNITE video and images.”

Pokémon UNITE, The Pokémon Company

When does Pokémon UNITE shut down in your time zone?

Pokémon UNITE will shut down on Tuesday, March 23, 2027, at 00:00 UTC. Here's when that is in the UK and three major US time zones:

• US Eastern Time (EDT): Monday, March 22, 2027, at 8:00 PM
• US Central Time (CDT): Monday, March 22, 2027, at 7:00 PM
• US Pacific Time (PDT): Monday, March 22, 2027, at 5:00 PM
• UK (GMT): Tuesday, March 23, 2027, at 00:00 (midnight)

READ MORE: Every Pokémon completion reward for Nintendo Switch and how to claim

What Pokémon UNITE data can you save, and when's the deadline?

On November 12, 2026, Pokémon UNITE will receive an update introducing a special event and a new library feature. Players will be able to earn Unite Coins through login bonuses and missions, then exchange them for previously released items, including Unite licenses, Holowear and Trainer fashion items.

What's more, the library feature will let players view certain records and in-game content after the servers shut down. However, players must complete the required library data download before March 23, 2027, at 00:00 UTC to access it afterwards. Those who miss the deadline won't be able to use the feature.

The library will preserve selected content, including owned Pokémon licenses, Holowear, Trainer fashion items and achievements. However, it won't allow players to continue battling or access the full game as normal.

Library data generally cannot be transferred to another device. The Pokémon Company also warns that if the game or library data is deleted or otherwise lost after the shutdown, it may not be recoverable. Support for the library feature will no longer be available after the servers close, so players should complete the required download and contact support about any issues before the deadline.