Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Ongoing Lawsuit

Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning its game Palworld, has 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.

The launch, announced without prior notice, coincides with a 50% discount on OverDungeon until January 24th. This promotional strategy, amidst the ongoing legal battle with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, has sparked speculation online. The choice to debut OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, unlike the multi-platform release of Palworld (PS5, Xbox), is particularly noteworthy.

The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleges that Palworld's Pal Spheres infringe on Pokémon's creature-capturing patents. While Pocketpair has acknowledged the situation, the legal proceedings remain ongoing. Despite the controversy, Palworld continues to receive updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria.

This isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo titles. Their 2020 RPG, Craftopia, drew significant comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Craftopia continues to receive updates on Steam.

The future of the Palworld lawsuit remains uncertain, with some experts predicting years of litigation. Pocketpair, however, has indicated further plans for Palworld in 2025, including a Mac port and potential mobile release. The release of OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding story.