Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo Switch Release Amidst Legal Battle
Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a lawsuit with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, unexpectedly launched 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.
The launch comes as a surprise, given the ongoing legal dispute stemming from accusations of patent infringement against Pocketpair's popular game, Palworld. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed suit in September 2024, alleging that Palworld's Pal Spheres infringed upon Pokémon's creature-capturing system patents. Despite this, Pocketpair celebrated OverDungeon's debut with a 50% discount, running until January 24th.
The decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox, has sparked speculation online. Some suggest it's a strategic response to the ongoing litigation.
This isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo titles. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, drew comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the controversy, 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 experts predicting a protracted legal process. Pocketpair has hinted at further Palworld developments in 2025, including a Mac port and a potential mobile release.
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Key takeaways:
- OverDungeon, a unique action card game, is now available on the Nintendo eShop.
- The release is unexpected given Pocketpair's ongoing legal battle with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
- The 50% launch discount adds intrigue to the situation.
- Pocketpair continues to develop and support Palworld despite the lawsuit.
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