"Pokémon UNITE" is a free-to-play game available on smartphones and Nintendo Switch. Since its release in 2021, it has steadily gained more fans and is now widely recognized as a title that lets players experience a whole new side of Pokémon. With its high quality as an online multiplayer game and the familiar charm unique to the Pokémon franchise, it captivates players of all ages, from children to adults.
This is the first title in the Pokémon series to feature team battles, and it has given rise to a global community of passionate players and spectators. Despite its adorable characters, it offers serious strategic gameplay involving mind games and tactical exchanges between teams. The game has even expanded beyond just online play, evolving into a full-fledged form of entertainment with official tournaments where professional players from Japan and abroad fiercely compete.
In this article, we’ll introduce the basics and appeal of "Pokémon UNITE," along with an exciting look at the recent international tournament, "PUACL2025 FINALS."
What is "Pokémon UNITE"? How is it different from regular Pokémon?
"Pokémon UNITE" is the first-ever team battle game in the Pokémon series and launched in 2021. It’s free to play on Nintendo Switch and smartphones, and has quickly become popular among players around the world.
The game’s biggest feature is how it blends the world of Pokémon with the "MOBA" (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre, where teams of five battle against each other. Players control familiar Pokémon like Pikachu, Charizard, and Blastoise to defeat wild Pokémon on the map, fight against the opposing team, and score points to win the match.
Each match is short—just 5 or 10 minutes—and the controls are simple, making it easy for beginners to jump in. However, the outcome is heavily influenced by strategy and teamwork, giving the game real depth. Watching your favorite Pokémon perform well under your control is an exciting experience for any fan. Whether you’re playing casually or aiming to compete seriously, "Pokémon UNITE" is a title that hooks a wide range of players.
Three Key Appeals of "Pokémon UNITE"
1. Pokémon’s First Team-Based Strategic Battles
One of the biggest differences between "Pokémon UNITE" and other titles in the franchise is that you don’t play as a trainer giving commands—you become the Pokémon and fight yourself. Matches are 5-on-5 team battles, so cooperation and role-sharing among teammates are key to victory.
Each Pokémon has its own preferred roles and play styles, and their moves and abilities are faithfully recreated from the original series. They’re categorized into types like All-Rounder, Attacker, and Defender, and your team’s strategy changes depending on which Pokémon are chosen—this adds an extra layer of fun.
You’ll also defeat wild Pokémon on the field to earn experience points and gather points to score goals. The rules are unique but easy to understand, even for beginners. It’s this combination of Pokémon appeal and cooperative gameplay that makes the battle experience in this game so compelling.
2. Pro eSports Players Join the Fray
Professional eSports teams in Japan are actively launching dedicated "Pokémon UNITE" divisions, and a serious competitive scene is beginning to take shape. Domestic leagues are being held, attracting famous teams and skilled players who battle it out in intense matches.
These players, with both talent and strong personalities, have earned devoted fanbases. Their gameplay can be watched on social media and streaming platforms, and their unique playstyles and character have drawn in even more supporters.
Matches in "Pokémon UNITE" require lightning-fast decision-making and high-level teamwork, making them incredibly exciting to watch as an eSport. These players go beyond casual gaming—aiming for true victory—and their passion and dedication inspire and move many people.
3. Exciting to Watch as a Spectator
"Pokémon UNITE" is praised not just as a game to play, but also as one that's fun to watch. The rules are simple, and the scoring is visually easy to follow, so even those unfamiliar with the game can intuitively enjoy it.
For example, while Pokémon card tournaments are often quiet and serious, "Pokémon UNITE" matches are the complete opposite. With point battles, comeback opportunities, and goal-line showdowns, there's no shortage of thrilling moments that make you want to cheer out loud.
Supporting a favorite player, rooting for your favorite Pokémon—these new spectator styles naturally develop in the world of UNITE. Whether you're playing or watching, "Pokémon UNITE" is a next-generation Pokémon game that offers enjoyment from every angle.
The "Pokémon UNITE" International Tournament Held! How Did the Audience React to the First In-Person Finals?
The international tournament "PUACL2025 FINALS" (Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League 2025 Finals) to determine the top team in the Asia region was held over two days, March 29 (Sat) and 30 (Sun), 2025, at the Sankaku Hiroba of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building.
The event featured 16 elite teams from Japan, Southeast Asia, India, China, and other regions. In addition to top teams from the invitational league that began in November 2024, strong contenders from around the world joined, including South America’s champion team Luminosity Gaming (Canada), and two high-ranking teams from the Shenzhen Masters tournament in China.
From Japan, five teams including world champion FENNEL took part. With hopes of back-to-back Japanese victories following Zeta Division (formerly known as "Kabichanz") who won PUACL2024, thrilling matches unfolded.
This PUACL marked Japan’s first offline final tournament for "Pokémon UNITE." The face-off between pro eSports teams brought an electrifying atmosphere to the venue. In the end, it was Team "INSOMNIA" who emerged as the champions of Asia! Despite starting in 7th place in the Japan League, they steadily improved and entered the finals in 3rd place. In the final match, they defeated former champion Alter Ego to claim the Asian crown.
The tournament was free to attend, and around 10,000 people visited over the two days. Cheers and shouts of support echoed throughout the venue as the heated matches were displayed on a giant screen. Attendees also received special original commemorative badges—different for each day—making for a perfect fan-exclusive keepsake.
Hands-On Fun at the Venue, Too
Alongside the main stage, a wide variety of side activities were offered, creating an immersive experience for fans. These included a large-scale "Pokémon UNITE" battle event that drew around 5,000 participants, Pokémon greeting sessions, raffles, and beginner-friendly teaching events.
Winners of the battle event received exclusive original merchandise, and those who managed to win five matches in a row were awarded a special Pikachu keychain available only at this event—an enticing reward that sparked competitive excitement.
Pokémon greetings featured Pikachu, Snorlax, and Mimikyu. Snorlax and Mimikyu appearances are especially rare, and their ticketed sessions were so popular that distribution ended quickly. Attendees enjoyed taking photos and interacting with the characters, making for memorable, heartwarming moments.
Through these diverse activities, visitors were able to fully experience the world of "Pokémon UNITE" with all five senses. The event offered not just a thrilling spectator experience but also the joy of hands-on participation.
Following the success of PUACL2025 FINALS, the "Pokémon UNITE" competitive scene now charges ahead toward the Pokémon World Championships 2025 (WCS2025). The global excitement surrounding the battles shows no sign of slowing down.
Product Information
- Title: Pokémon UNITE
- Platforms: Smartphones (iOS/Android), Nintendo Switch
- Price: Free to play (in-app purchases available)
- Distribution: Download only
- CERO Rating: A
- Genre: Team Strategy Battle
- Release: Available now on smartphones and Nintendo Switch
- Languages Supported: Japanese, English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, Hindi, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Turkish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian
- Developer/Publisher: The Pokémon Company
- Official Website: https://www.pokemonunite.jp
- Official X (formerly Twitter) account: https://twitter.com/poke_unite_jp
©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.©2021 Tencent.
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