Palworld Dev Drops New Nintendo Switch Game Amidst Legal Drama

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Legal Battle

Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a legal dispute with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over its game Palworld, has unexpectedly released OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop. This action-card game, blending tower defense and roguelike elements, initially launched on Steam in 2019. The surprise release, coupled with a 50% launch discount valid until January 24th, has sparked online speculation.

The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleges patent infringement concerning Palworld's Pal Spheres, which bear resemblance to Pokémon's Poké Balls. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Pocketpair continues to actively develop and update its games. Palworld itself received a significant update in December, boosting its concurrent player count on Steam. The company also announced a Terraria crossover, adding a new Pal and promising further collaborations in 2025. Future plans for Palworld also include a Mac port and a potential mobile release.

The release of OverDungeon on the Nintendo Switch, Pocketpair's first title for the platform, is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing lawsuit. Some observers interpret this move as a strategic response to the legal challenges. While Palworld is available on PS5 and Xbox, the choice to launch OverDungeon exclusively on the Nintendo eShop adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

This isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo properties. Their 2020 title, Craftopia, drew parallels to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the similarities, Craftopia continues to receive updates on Steam.

The legal battle between Pocketpair and Nintendo/The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with some experts predicting a protracted legal process. The lack of public updates from the involved parties further fuels speculation surrounding the future of both Palworld and Pocketpair's relationship with Nintendo.

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