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, given Pocketpair's ongoing legal dispute with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over alleged patent infringement in Palworld.
The September 2024 lawsuit alleges that Palworld's Pal Spheres infringe on Pokémon's creature-capturing system patents. Despite this ongoing legal challenge, Pocketpair celebrated OverDungeon's Nintendo Switch debut with a 50% discount, running until January 24th. OverDungeon, a unique blend of action card game, tower defense, and roguelike elements, marks Pocketpair's first foray onto the Nintendo Switch platform. The lack of prior announcement surrounding the release has fueled speculation online, with some suggesting it's a strategic response to the lawsuit. The decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, unlike Palworld which is available on PS5 and Xbox, remains intriguing.
A History of Comparisons to Nintendo Titles
This isn't the first time Pocketpair's games have drawn comparisons to Nintendo titles. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, a Steam-based RPG, bore strong visual similarities to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite this, Craftopia continues to receive updates. Meanwhile, Palworld, despite the lawsuit, continues to receive updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria.
The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains largely unresolved, with patent experts predicting a potentially lengthy process. Pocketpair has hinted at further Palworld developments in 2025, including a Mac port and a possible mobile release. The company's simultaneous pursuit of new releases and ongoing support for Palworld, amidst the legal complexities, presents a fascinating case study in the gaming industry.
