Pi Network readies Mainnet ecosystem tokens as March 1 Protocol Upgrade nears
Pi Network has announced that community-created ecosystem tokens—already issued on Testnet—are entering final stages for Mainnet deployment ahead of a Protocol Upgrade deadline on March 1. Co‑founder Chengdiao Fan outlined the model in a video: tokens are designed for in‑app utility and user acquisition (via Pi launch programs) rather than traditional capital raising. Projects must demonstrate working products and integrate tokens as utility within apps; underperforming projects will be naturally phased out. Pi (PI) trades near $0.17, about 91% below its $2.99 ATH, with ~ $15m 24‑hour volume; price action into March 1 may hinge on whether a bullish-flag pattern resolves toward $0.20–$0.21 resistance or falls back to $0.15 support as users migrate and validators ramp up. Key points: Mainnet token launch timing (protocol upgrade March 1), emphasis on utility-first token design, Testnet-to-Mainnet migration and validator rewards, potential short-term price sensitivity around $0.15–$0.21, and community scrutiny as projects deploy live products.
Neutral
The news is neutral overall. Positive elements: Mainnet rollout of ecosystem tokens and an emphasis on utility-based token economics could increase real usage and on-chain activity, encouraging longer-term value accrual for viable projects. The structured launch programs and validator rewards may boost short-term on-chain volume and engagement. Negative/uncertain elements: the market has already priced PI down ~91% from its ATH and the announcement does not guarantee adoption or token demand. Short-term price action is likely to be driven by technical levels ($0.15 support, $0.20–$0.21 resistance), migration mechanics, and whether projects actually deliver usable products after Mainnet launch. Historical parallels: token migrations and mainnet launches (e.g., past network upgrades and token migrations) often produce a short-term volatility pickup and speculative trading but only translate to sustained bullishness if usage and liquidity follow. Therefore, traders should expect heightened volatility around the March 1 upgrade with limited directional conviction until on-chain metrics (active users, token flow, staking/validator participation) confirm sustained adoption.