The Pokémon Company has announced a landmark update for Pokémon Unite, the popular free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
This strategic title, developed by TiMi Studio Group and published by The Pokémon Company, continues to expand its playable roster with the addition of beloved franchise icons.
In a major reveal, the original Legendary Bird Trio—Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres—will soon join Pokémon Unite as playable Pokémon, giving fans a long-requested opportunity to take direct control of these powerhouse creatures. Since its launch in July 2021, Pokémon Unite has consistently rolled out updates featuring new characters, balance adjustments, and fresh content to engage its global player base.
The arrival of Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres as playable Pokémon is especially significant because these Legendary Birds have held iconic status in the franchise since the first-generation games Pokémon Red and Blue—each representing elemental powers of electricity, ice, and fire, respectively. According to an official statement from The Pokémon Company, Zapdos will be the first of the trio to become playable, with a launch date set for February 27, 2026.
This date holds special meaning for Pokémon fans, as it coincides with Pokémon Day, the anniversary of the release of the original Pokémon games.
Previously, Zapdos has served as a powerful boss encounter within Pokémon Unite’s gameplay.
Its transition to a player-controlled role marks the end of a five-year run as a non-playable boss character, opening up all-new strategic options for competitive and casual players alike. A representative from The Pokémon Company described the move as part of their ongoing commitment to enrich the Pokémon Unite experience, allowing players to "strategize and compete with some of the series’ most legendary Pokémon in entirely new ways." Articuno and Moltres are set to follow Zapdos, ensuring that the full Legendary Bird Trio will soon be available for teams to deploy in high-stakes Unite Battles. Pokémon Unite continues to enjoy a strong presence on both the Nintendo Switch and in the mobile market, earning praise for its accessible gameplay and faithful integration of Pokémon lore.
With over 100 million downloads reported across platforms, the game ranks among the most successful Nintendo Switch eShop titles in its genre. As anticipation builds for the debut of Zapdos and the subsequent arrivals of Articuno and Moltres, competitive and casual trainers alike can look forward to new tactics, team combinations, and dynamic battles.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official Pokémon Unite channels and upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations for further details on this milestone update.
This strategic title, developed by TiMi Studio Group and published by The Pokémon Company, continues to expand its playable roster with the addition of beloved franchise icons.
In a major reveal, the original Legendary Bird Trio—Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres—will soon join Pokémon Unite as playable Pokémon, giving fans a long-requested opportunity to take direct control of these powerhouse creatures. Since its launch in July 2021, Pokémon Unite has consistently rolled out updates featuring new characters, balance adjustments, and fresh content to engage its global player base.
The arrival of Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres as playable Pokémon is especially significant because these Legendary Birds have held iconic status in the franchise since the first-generation games Pokémon Red and Blue—each representing elemental powers of electricity, ice, and fire, respectively. According to an official statement from The Pokémon Company, Zapdos will be the first of the trio to become playable, with a launch date set for February 27, 2026.
This date holds special meaning for Pokémon fans, as it coincides with Pokémon Day, the anniversary of the release of the original Pokémon games.
Previously, Zapdos has served as a powerful boss encounter within Pokémon Unite’s gameplay.
Its transition to a player-controlled role marks the end of a five-year run as a non-playable boss character, opening up all-new strategic options for competitive and casual players alike. A representative from The Pokémon Company described the move as part of their ongoing commitment to enrich the Pokémon Unite experience, allowing players to "strategize and compete with some of the series’ most legendary Pokémon in entirely new ways." Articuno and Moltres are set to follow Zapdos, ensuring that the full Legendary Bird Trio will soon be available for teams to deploy in high-stakes Unite Battles. Pokémon Unite continues to enjoy a strong presence on both the Nintendo Switch and in the mobile market, earning praise for its accessible gameplay and faithful integration of Pokémon lore.
With over 100 million downloads reported across platforms, the game ranks among the most successful Nintendo Switch eShop titles in its genre. As anticipation builds for the debut of Zapdos and the subsequent arrivals of Articuno and Moltres, competitive and casual trainers alike can look forward to new tactics, team combinations, and dynamic battles.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official Pokémon Unite channels and upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations for further details on this milestone update.
