Summary
The Pokemon Company has officially shut down itsPokemon TVapp, sunsetting the anime streaming app available for fans on Switch. Since its debut in the late 1990s,thePokemonanimehas been one of the most popular facets of the massively popular monster-catching franchise, airing consistently for more than 25 years. The franchise has typically debuted a new series of the anime to coincide with each of its new game releases, featuring the most recent games' new region and Pokemon. Now, however, one popular way of watching the anime has now been shut down.
First launching throughPokemon’s official website and later debuting as a mobile app and on the Switch eShop,Pokemon TVoffered fans a free way to watch the anime series. The app allowed fans to watch episodes from throughout the history of thePokemonfranchise, including the earliest episodes now referred to as “The Beginning.” The app would later be brought to Switch in 2021, giving fans on Nintendo’s handheld home console a way to watch their favorite episodes on the platform. However,Pokemon TVhas now officially reached its end as The Pokemon Company sunsets the service.
Pokemon TV Streaming App Shut Down
As reported by NintendoLife, following a previous announcement regardingPokemon TV’s end of service, the streaming app has now been officially shut down. The Pokemon Company had announced it would beshutting downPokemon TVearlier this year, delisting the app from the Switch and mobile app stores at the same time. The company did not give an official reason at the time for the shutdown ofPokemon TV, with fans initially speculating that The Pokemon Company may be planning to debut a new service. A successor toPokemon TVhas not been officially confirmed.
The major change toPokemon’s streaming options comes just a year after the anime made one of its biggest changes in its history. More than 25 years after the anime’s original debut,Pokemonwould see its first change in protagonist asAsh Ketchum and his iconic Pikachu left the series. The debut ofPokemon Horizonssaw the introduction of a pair of new protagonists, with Liko and Roy traveling throughout the Paldea region.Pokemon TV’s shutdown will serve to further complicate an already complex streaming environment for the beloved franchise.
Pokemon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more.
