YouTube PokéNational channel faces shutdown after Nintendo copyright strikes

A Pokémon-focused YouTube channel known for documentary-style animations may be shut down after receiving multiple copyright strikes from Nintendo, according to its creator.

Elios, the animator behind the PokéNational Geographic series, said in a video posted on April 26 that the channel has accumulated more than the allowed number of copyright strikes within a short period.

Under YouTube policy, channels with fewer than three strikes can remain active, but exceeding that limit can result in removal.

The series, launched in 2023, gained attention for presenting Pokémon creatures in a nature documentary format, using original animation and narration to depict how the fictional species might exist in the wild. The videos became widely shared and contributed to a growing trend of similar content across platforms.

In his statement, Elios said the strikes were issued by Nintendo of America and related to the use of “works, characters, and imagery” from the Pokémon franchise.

He explained that most of the content was independently created, with limited use of in-game audio clips. He also stated that he had not been given the option to remove specific videos before the strikes were applied.

"I can't really fight this," Elios said in the video.

The creator added that the channel had contributed to professional opportunities, including internships and employment, by showcasing his animation skills.

He also noted efforts to adapt the videos for educational use by adding translations and focusing on informative storytelling.

Elios is currently downloading his content but said it cannot be reuploaded. “I don't know how to save the channel, I don't know if I can,” he said, before concluding, “PokéNational is dead.”

He confirmed plans to continue producing animation on a separate channel without using Pokémon-related material.