Nintendo Switch Surprises with New Game from Palworld Creator

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Legal Battle

Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning its game Palworld, unexpectedly released its 2019 title, OverDungeon, on the Nintendo eShop. OverDungeon, a unique blend of action card game and tower defense mechanics, initially launched on Steam. This marks Pocketpair's first Nintendo Switch release, announced without prior warning.

The launch coincided with a celebratory 50% discount, running until January 24th. This strategic move, coming amidst the ongoing legal dispute with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over Palworld's alleged similarities to Pokémon, has sparked online speculation. Some believe it's a calculated response to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleges that Palworld's "Pal Spheres" infringe on Pokémon's creature-capturing patents. Despite the controversy, Palworld continues to receive updates and recently saw a surge in players following a major December update. The decision to release OverDungeon exclusively on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on other platforms like PS5 and Xbox, adds another layer of intrigue to the situation.

Beyond Palworld: A History of Comparisons

OverDungeon isn't Pocketpair's first game to draw comparisons to Nintendo titles. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, a visually similar RPG to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, continues to receive updates. Meanwhile, Palworld remains actively supported with ongoing promotions, including a collaboration with Terraria that will continue into 2025.

The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains largely undisclosed. Patent experts predict a lengthy legal process if a settlement isn't reached. Pocketpair has hinted at further Palworld developments in 2025, including a Mac port and potential mobile release.