Palworld Devs Shadow Drop New Switch Title Amid Legal Battle

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 action-card game, blending tower defense and roguelike elements, marks Pocketpair's first Nintendo Switch release and comes as a surprise, given the ongoing legal dispute with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleges patent infringement concerning Palworld's Pal Spheres, which bear resemblance to Pokémon's Poké Balls. Despite the controversy, Palworld received a major update in December, boosting its player count. OverDungeon's launch, coupled with a 50% launch discount until January 24th, has fueled speculation online regarding Pocketpair's strategy.

OverDungeon, initially a Steam exclusive, now finds itself on the Nintendo eShop, a platform choice that has sparked discussion among gamers. Some speculate this move is a direct response to the ongoing lawsuit. 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.

While details regarding the lawsuit remain scarce, patent experts predict a prolonged legal battle unless a settlement is reached. Pocketpair continues to support Palworld, with plans for a Mac port and potential mobile release in 2025, alongside ongoing collaborations, such as the recently announced Terraria crossover. The release of OverDungeon adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing narrative surrounding Pocketpair and its relationship with Nintendo.