Pokémon Unite players in Belgium and the Netherlands are facing an unfortunate reality: the game will shut down permanently in these regions on November 30, 2025. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have confirmed that support will end across all platforms, including iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch.
Why Is Pokémon Unite Shutting Down in Belgium and the Netherlands?
While no official reason has been given, evidence points to the strict anti-loot box and anti-gacha regulations in both countries. Belgium and the Netherlands have been pioneers in regulating gambling-like mechanics in video games, particularly RNG-based microtransactions.
Since Pokémon Unite relies heavily on these mechanics to sustain its free-to-play model, the developers appear to have chosen a server shutdown rather than redesigning the game to comply with local laws.
Not the First Pokémon Mobile Game Shutdown
This isn’t the first time The Pokémon Company and Nintendo have pulled the plug on a mobile title. Past games like Pokémon Duel and Pokémon Rumble Rush were abandoned after struggling globally. However, Pokémon Unite’s closure in Belgium and the Netherlands seems unique, driven more by legal restrictions than declining player numbers.
Growing Player Base Cut Short
The timing of this shutdown is particularly frustrating for fans. Pokémon Unite has seen massive growth in recent months, reportedly reaching eight million players on iOS and Android in August 2025—a 130% increase compared to May, according to ActivePlayer.io. The recent addition of Mega Evolved Pokémon has fueled a surge in popularity, making the closure even more disappointing.
What Happens to Players After November 30?
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Game Access Ends: Servers in Belgium and the Netherlands will go offline permanently.
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No In-App Purchases: Transactions were already disabled in October 2024, with players urged to spend remaining currencies.
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Loss of Items & Accounts: Players risk losing all collectibles, purchased items, and accounts tied to the game.
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Competitive Concerns: Some fans worry about losing the chance to earn points for the Pokémon World Championships.
While some players may attempt to use VPNs to bypass restrictions, the game will also be removed from local app stores, making it difficult for new users to join.
Community Reaction
The Pokémon Unite community has expressed frustration, with many fans in Belgium and the Netherlands feeling abandoned. For players who invested time and money into the game, the shutdown feels unfair, especially as there are no clear solutions for preserving progress.
With November 30 approaching, it remains uncertain whether Nintendo or The Pokémon Company will offer any compensation or long-term workaround for affected fans.