Is Pokemon Unite pay-to-win? Nintendo is apparently concerned about just that, as a new Pokemon Unite survey has been sent out to fans that specifically asks if players think the game relies too much on them spending money to be successful. The survey also asks about purchasable Pokemon Unite Holowear and whether Nintendo/TiMi should add upgrades to it, which would be another P2W problem.
Is Pokemon Unite pay-to-win?
The official Pokemon Unite Twitter channel posted a survey link this weekend, asking for players’ help to “make continued improvements” to the game. While most of the questions are pretty general, concerning gaming habits, the survey asks some questions about specific elements in Pokemon Unite. In the question about the most frustrating elements in the game, one of the options is, “the game overemphasizes spending money to be successful,” clearly suggesting that Nintendo/TiMi is aware of the pay-to-win elements in the game.
How’s your experience been on Aeos Island, Trainers? Let us know your thoughts and feedback by filling out this survey, and help us make continued improvements to #PokemonUNITE.
— Pokémon UNITE (@PokemonUnite) July 25, 2021
Perhaps more concerning is the later question about Holowear — the various costumes for each Pokemon such as this cute little hoodie and lightning hat for Pikachu. Certain Holowear items and outfits can be got only through rare tickets or bought for real money using Aeos Gems, and now the survey asks if players would like stat upgrades added to make these outfits more desirable. In other words, Holowear would no longer be cosmetic-only and anyone who buys these items would get an immediate boost — a clear pay-to-win element.
At the moment none of these issues are affecting Pokemon Unite too much, but there would certainly be a big upset if the team add stats to Holowear and make it non-cosmetic. Far better would be for TiMi to concentrate on adding new Pokemon to the game as DLC or through the Battle Pass, such as the upcoming Blastoise and Gardevoir which can’t be far off from releasing.
