Palworld's PS5 Release Blocked in Japan Amid Nintendo Lawsuit

The PS5 release of Palworld, showcased at PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play event, is facing an unexpected roadblock: a seemingly indefinite delay in Japan. While the game launched globally on PS5, Japanese players are currently excluded.

This delay is strongly suspected to stem from ongoing legal action. Nintendo and Pokémon have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair, Palworld's developer, in a Tokyo court. This lawsuit seeks both an injunction to halt Palworld's operations and financial damages.

The official Palworld Twitter (X) account confirmed the global PS5 launch, excluding Japan. They apologized for the delay and stated that a Japanese release date remains undetermined. While Pocketpair hasn't explicitly linked the delay to the lawsuit, the timing and the lawsuit's potential impact (a potential cease-and-desist order) strongly suggest a connection. The legal battle's outcome could significantly impact Palworld's future, potentially leading to the game's removal from the market.

The PS5 launch trailer, featuring Palworld characters with Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear, highlights the game's global rollout – a rollout that, for now, unfortunately excludes Japan. The situation remains fluid, pending the resolution of the legal dispute.