Palworld PS5 Release Excludes Japan, Nintendo Lawsuit Likely the Reason

Following its Xbox and PC releases, Palworld finally arrived on PlayStation consoles, as announced during PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play event. However, a significant exception exists: the PS5 launch is delayed indefinitely in Japan.

Palworld's PlayStation 5 Japan Release: An Indefinite Delay

Palworld's PlayStation Debut

The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally, as showcased at the PlayStation State of Play. Sony even featured a trailer highlighting Palworld characters equipped with Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear.

Despite the global launch, Japanese PlayStation gamers are currently unable to access the game. This delay stems from ongoing legal action between Nintendo/Pokémon and Palworld developer Pocketpair.

Uncertain Future for Palworld's PS5 Japan Release

Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account addressed the situation, confirming the worldwide release (excluding Japan) and apologizing for the delay. They stated that a Japanese release date remains undetermined, promising to update players as soon as possible.

The reason for the delay is widely believed to be the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo in a Tokyo court. The lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages, potentially leading to the cessation of Palworld's operations and removal from the market. The outcome of this legal battle will directly impact the future of Palworld's availability in Japan.