Palworld Devs Release New Switch

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Legal Battle

Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a lawsuit with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over its game Palworld, unexpectedly released its 2019 title OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop. This action-card game, blending tower defense and roguelike elements, marks Pocketpair's first Nintendo Switch release.

The launch, announced without prior notice, coincided with a 50% discount running until January 24th. This celebratory sale adds intrigue to the decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, especially given Palworld's availability on PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles. Online speculation suggests this move may be a strategic response to the ongoing legal dispute.

The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleges that Palworld's "Pal Spheres" infringe on Pokémon's creature-capturing patents. Despite the controversy, Palworld continues to receive updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria. Future plans for Palworld include a Mac port and a potential mobile release.

Pocketpair's history includes other games compared to Nintendo titles. Craftopia, released in 2020, drew comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game also continues to receive updates.

The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with some experts predicting a lengthy process. The release of OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding situation.