Summary
- Mobile Pokemon titles like Pokemon TCG Pocket and Pokemon GO are thriving, proving a future on mobile platforms.
- Shutdowns of games in specific regions continue, with Pokemon Masters EX closing in Vietnam and policy issues in Belgium and The Netherlands for Pokemon Unite.
- The future of Pokemon Masters EX in Vietnam is still unclear due to local law requirements and how things may change, if at all, but players face closure on short notice.
Although 2024 didn't see any mainline Pokemon games being released, the mobile game Pokemon TCG Pocket thrived with immense success and is proving once more that the future of the franchise can be as much on mobile as it is on handheld consoles. This can be seen with titles like Pokemon GO taking the lead over the years, followed by other spin-offs like Pokemon Masters EX, Pokemon Unite, and Pokemon Sleep. Still, 2024 wasn't all great news for Pokemon fans, starting all the way back in spring when the online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U shut down, leading to some games losing trade functions.
While mobile Pokemon games continue to be successful and there seems to be no reason to worry that they might close shop in the near future, this has been happening for some games in specific regions. For example, Pokemon Unite is going to fully shut down in Belgium and The Netherlands toward the end of 2025, with in-app purchases being terminated in October of this year. Unfortunately, as soon as November 27, Pokemon Masters EX will follow suit in a different region.
Pokemon Masters EX Shutting Down in One Region on November 27 is Sad News For Fans
Why Pokemon Masters EX is Supposedly Shutting Down in Vietnam
Pokemon Masters EX is shutting down in Vietnam on November 27, immediately terminating both in-app purchases and any gameplay functionalities, rendering the title impossible to launch and play. While the reason seems to be different than that of Pokemon Unite shutting down in two European countries, it continues a sad trend for 2024 being the end of an era for some Pokemon games. In 2024, several Pokemon games suffered from shutdowns or similar issues. The list includes:
- Pokemon X and Y lost online and trade functionalities due to the 3DS and Wii U online services being terminated
- Pokemon Sun and Moon as well as Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon also lost trade functionalities for the same reason
- Pokemon Bank and Transporter also shut down
- The Pokemon TV app shut down
- The long-running Relic Castle unofficial Pokemon website was served a takedown notice
- Pokemon Unite terminated in-app purchases in Belgium and The Netherlands and will terminate service altogether next year
- Pokemon Masters Ex is about to shut down in Vietnam
This trend of shutdowns is not necessarily something that will continue happening, given that the reasons for each act are different and possibly not applicable to other regions or games. Yet, it will be another sad day when Pokemon Masters EX closes shop in Vietnam on November 27, 2024, especially considering the relatively short notice.
It's worth noting that Pokemon Masters EX is seemingly shutting down in Vietnam due to a local law requiring that games have parent companies settle a local branch. On the other hand, Pokemon Unite is shutting down in Belgium and The Netherlands due to the regions' policies regarding loot boxes and microtransactions.
Why The Future of Pokemon Masters EX in Vietnam is Uncertain
The in-game end-of-service notice states, "All features will continue to be available until service ends. Also, the schedule is subject to change. We sincerely thank all players for your support. Although time is short, we hope you continue to enjoy Pokemon Masters EX during the remaining days.", which provides no indication of whether players will automatically receive or even be able to request refunds for in-game purchases. A similar situation occurred when the Steam store was banned in Vietnam, possibly for the same reasons as Pokemon Masters EX.
It's unclear if things may change in the future, possibly with Pokemon Masters EX ceding its publication rights to a Vietnamese company or opening a physical branch in the region. As it stands, though, players will unfortunately have to say goodbye to the game as soon as November 27, 2024, which is in just three days.
WHERE TO PLAY
TEAM UP WITH SYNC PAIRS FROM EVERY REGION!: Team up and interact with Trainers from the Hisui region, the Paldea region, and everywhere in between!
Pasio’s saga of villainous organizations reaches its thrilling conclusion!
Interact with Trainers in the Trainer Lodge to deepen your bond and get special photos and stories! Trainers appear wearing outfits exclusive to Pokémon Masters EX! Enjoy original stories connected to those outfits, too!
Hatch Eggs to get new Pokémon! Add hatched Pokémon to your team, and battle your way to the top! Assemble Trainers and Pokémon to take on battles! Create a team all your own, and aim for victory!
TRAINERS FROM ALL OVER COME TOGETHER: Champions, Elite Four members, Gym Leaders, and visitors from the past! Enjoy adventures together with your favorite Trainers and their Pokémon!
