Palworld Developer Surprise Launches Another Game on Nintendo Switch Despite Lawsuit

Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a legal battle with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over its game Palworld, has 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 launch of OverDungeon on the Nintendo Switch, Pocketpair's first title for the platform, is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing lawsuit. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company allege that Palworld's Pal Spheres infringe on Pokémon's creature-capturing patents. While Pocketpair has previously expressed regret over the situation and pledged cooperation, this move has fueled online theories suggesting it may be a strategic response to the legal challenge.

OverDungeon's Nintendo eShop debut contrasts with the multi-platform release of Palworld (available on PS5 and Xbox). This strategic decision remains unexplained, adding to the intrigue surrounding Pocketpair's actions. The company's history includes other titles compared to Nintendo franchises, such as Craftopia, which drew comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the lawsuit, Pocketpair continues to support Palworld with updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria. Future plans for Palworld include a Mac port and a potential mobile release. The legal battle itself remains ongoing, with some experts predicting a lengthy process.

Summary

• Pocketpair's OverDungeon, a hybrid action card/tower defense game, launched unexpectedly on the Nintendo eShop.
• This follows a lawsuit against Pocketpair by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company regarding Palworld.
• OverDungeon's release, along with a 50% discount, has generated considerable online discussion.