Palworld Developer Surprise Launches Another Game on Nintendo Switch Despite Lawsuit

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Legal Battle

Pocketpair, the developer behind the controversial Palworld, unexpectedly released its 2019 title, OverDungeon, on the Nintendo eShop. This launch comes as a surprise, particularly given Pocketpair's ongoing legal dispute with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

OverDungeon, a unique blend of action card game and tower defense mechanics with roguelike elements, initially launched on Steam in 2019. This marks Pocketpair's first Nintendo Switch title, announced without prior fanfare. To celebrate its Switch debut, OverDungeon is currently available at a 50% discount until January 24th.

The timing of the release, amidst the ongoing lawsuit stemming from alleged patent infringement in Palworld, has sparked speculation online. Some suggest it's a strategic response to the legal action. 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 recently saw a surge in players following a major December update. Its availability on PS5 and Xbox contrasts with the OverDungeon Nintendo Switch exclusive release, further fueling speculation.

A History of Comparisons to Nintendo Titles

OverDungeon isn't Pocketpair's first game to draw comparisons to Nintendo properties. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, an RPG, bore striking resemblance to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite this, Craftopia continues to receive updates. Meanwhile, Palworld, despite the lawsuit, remains actively supported with ongoing updates and a recently announced collaboration with Terraria, featuring a new Pal and promised future content throughout 2025.

The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains largely undisclosed. Patent law experts predict a potentially lengthy legal process, potentially spanning years, if a settlement isn't reached. Beyond the Terraria collaboration, Pocketpair has hinted at additional plans for Palworld in 2025, including a Mac port and a possible mobile version.