Palworld PS5 Release Excludes Japan, Nintendo Lawsuit Likely the Reason

Palworld, showcased at PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play event, is now available on PlayStation consoles following its Xbox and PC releases. However, a significant exception exists: the PS5 launch in Japan is indefinitely delayed.

Palworld's PlayStation 5 Debut and Subsequent Japanese Delay

Palworld's PS5 Arrival Announced at State of Play

The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally as announced during the September 2024 PlayStation State of Play. Sony even featured a trailer showcasing a Palworld character with Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear.

Despite the global rollout, Japanese PlayStation gamers are currently unable to access the game. This delay stems from ongoing legal action involving Nintendo and Pokémon.

Palworld's PS5 Japan Release Remains Uncertain

Palworld's Japanese (X) Twitter account acknowledged the global release, stating it launched in 68 countries and regions. They apologized to Japanese players for the delay, explicitly stating that a Japanese release date is yet to be determined. The team pledged to bring the game to all PS5 users as soon as possible.

While the official reason for the delay remains unstated by Pocketpair, the ongoing patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo and Pokémon in Tokyo Court is widely considered the cause. Nintendo's lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages, potentially leading to the cessation of Palworld's operations and removal from the market. The outcome of this legal battle will directly impact the future of Palworld's availability in Japan.