The Nintendo Switch launch trailer for Pokémon Unite has highlighted the game's crossplay functionality between Switch and mobile players. Pokémon Unite is a free-to-play multiplayer battle arena game, which released on Nintendo Switch today, July 21.
Pokémon Unite is the latest spin-off in the longstanding franchise. The game is a MOBA in which teams of Pokémon battle each other, scoring goals to win. Each team consists of five Pokémon, which can be evolved over time to make them stronger. Teams can earn points by either taking down opponents' Pokémon, or by defeating or capturing Pokémon encountered in the wild. While the game is free to download, it does include optional microtransactions. As with many free-to-play games, Pokémon Unite has a focus on unlockable Pokémon skins. There are different ways to acquire these: buying them using the in-game currency Aeos Gems, obtaining Fashion Tickets, or with a Battle Pass.
The official Nintendo Switch launch trailer for Pokémon Unite highlights some of the gameplay trainers can expect from the new title, with a heavy focus on multiplayer fun. Players will be able to team up with friends to work their way through battles together, experimenting with different Pokémon types and testing their skills as Attackers or Defenders. While the mobile version of Pokémon UNITE has not yet released, the launch trailer showcases just how fun it will be for players to play across both mobile and Nintendo Switch devices. Players are shown joining Pokémon UNITE battles together from the palms of their hands, whether from mobile or Switch. The connection process between console and mobile isn't shared in the video, but it's hoped it will be a simple set-up. The mobile version of the game is expected to release this September, when full Pokémon Unite crossplay will be live.
While Pokémon Unite is a MOBA at its core, the game does have some differences to the traditional multiplayer online battle arena format popularized by titles like League of Legends and DOTA 2. The game has a much more lenient learning curve for beginners, with shorter and more casual matches than the genre is typically known for. The beta test for the game featured matches just 10 minutes in length, a far departure from the 30 - 40 minute MOBA standard, but definitely more suited to on-the-go mobile devices and the Nintendo Switch when played in handheld mode. Pokémon Unite's casual approach and thorough tutorials help it appeal to a wider audience than the average MOBA, which could make it more accessible for more players.
Unfortunately, Pokémon fans who don't own a Nintendo Switch will have to wait a little longer to give Pokémon Unite a try. While the game is touted for a September release on mobile, no date has yet been specified. It's also not clear if there are plans to help mobile players compete with Switch players, who will have had around two months of additional playtime by the time Pokémon UNITE comes to mobile.
Pokémon Unite is available now on Nintendo Switch and will come to mobile devices in September.
Source: Pokémon Unite /YouTube