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, Pocketpair celebrated OverDungeon's launch with a 50% discount, running until January 24th. The decision to debut OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox, has sparked speculation online, with some suggesting it's a strategic response to the ongoing litigation.
OverDungeon's arrival isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo properties. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, drew parallels to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the legal challenges, Pocketpair continues to support Palworld with updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria.
The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with some legal experts predicting a protracted process. However, Pocketpair has indicated further plans for Palworld in 2025, including a Mac port and potential mobile release. The company's simultaneous commitment to supporting Palworld and launching a new title on a platform central to the lawsuit presents a complex and intriguing situation within the gaming industry.
