Nintendo Switch Surprises with New Game from Palworld Developer

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Ongoing Lawsuit

Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning its game Palworld, 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 by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, alleges that Palworld's Pal Spheres infringe on Pokémon's creature-capturing patents. Despite this ongoing legal battle, Pocketpair continues to actively develop and update Palworld, including a major December update and a planned Terraria crossover extending into 2025. Furthermore, future plans for Palworld include Mac and potential mobile ports.

OverDungeon's Nintendo Switch debut marks Pocketpair's first foray onto the platform. The lack of prior announcements surrounding the release, combined with the ongoing legal dispute, fuels online theories regarding Pocketpair's strategic motivations. The company's decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox, remains a point of discussion among gamers. Some speculate this move is a direct response to the lawsuit.

This isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo titles. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, drew significant comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite these controversies, Pocketpair maintains active development across its portfolio, suggesting a resilient approach to navigating the legal challenges. The outcome of the Palworld lawsuit remains uncertain, with potential for years of litigation if a settlement isn't reached.