Pokemon Unite doesn't require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription

Pokemon Unite key art resize
(Image credit: The Pokémon Company International)

Pokemon Unite won't require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play. 

Last week, it was revealed that Pokemon Unite will be debuting on the Nintendo Switch in July, before arriving on mobile devices later in the year in September. While you might assume that the online game would require an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play on Nintendo's console, Serebii has confirmed that this is not the case.

It's nice to know that when Pokemon Unite comes to Nintendo's handheld device next month, you won't need to shell out extra for the ability to play with and against your friends. On top of this, Pokemon Unite will be "free to start," which means that while you can get the game going for free, it's likely that you'll have to pay some sort of fee to keep progressing in Pokemon Unite at some point further on.

Pokemon Unite will also offer a battle pass system for players. Through this new reward system, we'll be able to earn customizable cosmetic items for creatures like Pikachu, Blastoise, and more, as well as the game's three types of currency: Coins, Gems, and Tickets.

Right now, we don't actually have a final release date for Pokemon Unite next month on the Nintendo Switch. However, what we do know is that the new brawler will support both cross-play between the Switch and mobile devices, as well as cross-progression between the two, so after you're done playing on the Switch at home, you can carry on brawling on the go.

Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.