The Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon Unite released on July 21 as a team-based action game set in the Pokémon universe, though this has left some players curious how it handles microtransactions. It was met with some hesitance regarding a self-described free-to-start nature, especially as beta testers detailed Pokémon Unite's Battle Pass system and purchasable cosmetics. Now that Pokémon Unite has been more widely released, though, a broader range of players have been able to examine how Pokémon Unite implements microtransactions and whether its monetization practices push it into pay-to-win territory.
First announced in summer 2020, Pokémon Unite is a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game similar to League of Legends or DOTA 2. Matches are fast-paced and competitive, a formula that often leads to so-called "pay-to-win" mechanics, where players with more money to spend in-game end up with greater advantages compared to those who haven't. It's an issue that has at times afflicted other MOBA and mobile titles.
This may have contributed in part to why Pokémon Unite was met with mixed reception when it was revealed, especially as fans at the time were eager for news regarding the highly-anticipated Sinnoh remakes or an otherwise more traditional Pokémon game. Pokémon Unite isn't releasing on mobile until September, but the Nintendo Switch version has already drawn criticism for its predatory monetization features.
What Pokemon Unite's Free-To-Start Descriptor Actually Means
One early Pokémon Unite player warned on Reddit to be wary of Pokémon Unite's microtransactions, arguing that the game includes monetized gameplay boosting items that substantially increase combat effectiveness. While many of its other microtransactions are fairly standard for mobile games - cosmetics, gacha pulls, Battle Pass levels, and additional characters among them - the inclusion of purchasable game-changing items makes the game substantially easier for those who can afford to spend real-world money on their Pokémon Unite matches.
Although Pokémon Unite's premium currency, Gems, can be unlocked through normal game progression, the payout rate is extremely slow and free-to-play advancements are hindered significantly. According to the Reddit post, it takes around 15 matches to unlock one additional Pokémon. This seems to align with Pokémon Unite's free-to-start descriptor; although the game doesn't need to be purchased, it's arguably expected that players will begin spending money in order to speed up their progression or improve their experience. While it's possible that developers will listen to player feedback and rebalance its monetization systems, for the time being players should be aware of the emphasis on microtransactions before they dive into Pokémon Unite.