Pokémon Unite Celebrates Its 5th Anniversary with a Live-Action Project
It is time for a big celebration for Pokémon Unite fans! The popular MOBA game is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary not only with in-game events but also with a surprise live-action short film project. First announced on the game's official Japanese website, this project aims to bring the title, which will officially turn 5 on July 21, 2026, to a cinematic dimension. Although the director or cast of the project has not yet been announced, this announcement has already created great excitement among fans of the series.
Developed in collaboration with TiMi Studio Group (Tencent) and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Unite was first released for Nintendo Switch in July 2021, followed by mobile platforms in September 2021. Transforming traditional Pokémon battles into a 5v5 strategic team challenge, the game achieved great success by reaching over 200 million downloads worldwide in a short time. This competitive experience, set on Aeos Island, is now preparing to appear with a cinematic narrative.
In addition to the live-action project, massive content is being added to the game as part of the 5th-anniversary celebrations. Throughout July and August, legendary Pokémon such as Yveltal, Palkia, Reshiram, and Solgaleo will be added to the roster one by one. Players will have the chance to earn the licenses for these legendary characters for free through special events. Furthermore, 10-day login bonuses will offer permanent licenses and rare Holowear (costume) options for trainers.
This new project is seen as an important part of the multimedia strategy the Pokémon brand has been pursuing since the Detective Pikachu movie. Especially during this period when rumors are increasing about the Nintendo Switch 2 and the new main series games Pokémon Winds and Waves expected to be released in 2027, Pokémon Unite coming to the agenda with such a project proves that the brand continues to grow on every platform. More details about the project are expected to be shared as the game's actual anniversary date of July 21 approaches.
