Palworld Devs Release New Switch Title Amidst Legal Dispute

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo Switch Release Amidst Legal Battle

Pocketpair, the developer behind the controversial Palworld, 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 and follows months of legal turmoil.

The company has been embroiled in a lawsuit since September 2024, filed by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, alleging patent infringement concerning Palworld's Pal Sphere mechanic. Despite this ongoing legal challenge, Pocketpair celebrated OverDungeon's launch with a 50% discount, running until January 24th. The decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox, has fueled speculation online, with some suggesting it's a strategic response to the lawsuit.

This isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo properties. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, drew significant comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the similarities and the ongoing legal issues, Palworld continues to receive updates, including a recent collaboration with Terraria, adding a new Pal and promising further content throughout 2025. Additionally, Pocketpair has hinted at future Palworld plans, including Mac and potential mobile ports.

The Palworld lawsuit remains largely unresolved, with legal experts suggesting a prolonged legal battle if a settlement isn't reached. The release of OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop adds another layer of complexity to the situation, leaving the gaming community to speculate on the motivations and potential implications for both companies.