Palworld Creator Unveils New Nintendo Switch

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo Switch Release Amidst Legal Battle

Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a legal dispute, unexpectedly launched 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, unannounced beforehand, coincided with a 50% discount running until January 24th.

The company's move comes amidst an ongoing lawsuit filed by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company in September 2024, alleging patent infringement concerning Pocketpair's popular Palworld. The lawsuit centers on Palworld's Pal Spheres, deemed similar to Pokémon's Poké Balls. Despite the controversy, Palworld received a major update in December, and now OverDungeon makes its Nintendo Switch debut. The strategic decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on other platforms, has sparked online speculation, with some suggesting it's a calculated response to the ongoing legal proceedings.

A History of Comparisons

This isn't the first time Pocketpair's games have drawn comparisons to Nintendo titles. Craftopia, released in 2020, bore resemblance to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite this, Craftopia continues to receive updates. Meanwhile, Palworld, despite the lawsuit, continues to be actively supported with ongoing updates and a recent collaboration with Terraria.

The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with some legal experts predicting a protracted legal process. Future plans for Palworld include a Mac port and a potential mobile release, further highlighting Pocketpair's continued commitment to the title.