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.
The company has been embroiled in a lawsuit filed by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company in September 2024, alleging patent infringement concerning Palworld's Pal Sphere system. Despite this, Palworld received a significant update in December, boosting its player count. The OverDungeon launch, coupled with a 50% launch discount until January 24th, has fueled speculation regarding Pocketpair's strategy. The choice to debut OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on other platforms, is particularly intriguing.
This isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo titles. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, drew parallels 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.
The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with potential for a protracted legal process. However, Pocketpair has hinted at further developments for Palworld in 2025, including Mac and mobile ports. The release of OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop adds another layer of complexity to the situation, leaving many to speculate on the company's intentions.
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