Pokémon Go players are furious over the removal of a cosmetic item

Pokémon Go fans have criticized developer Niantic for removing an Avatar pose from all accounts after it was accidentally made available too soon.

Pokémon Go has many cosmetic options that players can use to customize their Avatar characters.

Most of these cosmetic items, which include hats, shirts, hoodies, and even poses, can be purchased through the in-game store.

However, some fans were surprised when they were treated to a free Avatar pose on February 8, 2024. Unfortunately, Niantic has now removed the pose from all accounts after it was accidentally made available too early and the trainers are not happy.

Pokémon Go fans furious over Avatar pose removal

Several posts on social media platforms began appearing on February 8, 2024, as some players noticed that they could enable a new pose option for their Avatar, called the Pikachu PhD pose.

Unfortunately, this free pose would not remain available for long for those who activated it, as Niantic Support released a statement on February 9, 2024.

Trainers, some upcoming exclusive avatar rewards were accidentally made available to all Trainers for a short time. These rewards are no longer available, and will be removed from Trainer accounts. Details on how to acquire them will be coming soon. Thanks for understanding.

— Niantic Support (@NianticHelp) February 9, 2024

The official statement reads: “Trainers, some upcoming exclusive Avatar rewards have accidentally been made available to all Trainers for a short time. These rewards are no longer available and will be removed from Trainer accounts. Details on how to acquire them will be communicated soon. Thank you for your understanding.”

Naturally, many fans were not happy to learn that Avatar’s pose would be forcibly removed from their accounts, despite the developer’s mistake.

“Why don’t you let us have nice things when it’s your mistake,” a trainer asked.

Another said, “You really accidentally gave it to us for free, then you’re going to take it back from us, then sell it back to us later.”

This news comes shortly after Niantic apologized for the state of Pokémon Go on February 8, 2024, when many players claimed the mobile game was unplayable due to a myriad of bugs.