Palworld Devs Drop Surprise Switch Title Amid Lawsuit Fallout

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Ongoing Lawsuit

Pocketpair, the developer behind the controversial 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 and comes as a surprise, given the lack of prior announcements. The launch coincides with a 50% discount running until January 24th.

The release is particularly noteworthy given Pocketpair's ongoing legal battle. In September 2024, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair, alleging patent infringement related to Palworld's Pal Sphere system. Despite this, Pocketpair has continued to support Palworld with updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria.

The decision to launch OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on other platforms, has sparked speculation online. Some suggest it's a strategic response to the lawsuit, although Pocketpair has offered no official comment.

This isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo titles. Their 2020 RPG, Craftopia, drew significant comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Both Craftopia and Palworld continue to receive updates and ongoing support. Future plans for Palworld include a Mac port and a potential mobile release.

The Palworld lawsuit remains ongoing, with some legal experts predicting a protracted legal process. Despite the uncertainty, Pocketpair's actions demonstrate a continued commitment to game development and release, even amidst significant legal challenges.