Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Legal Battle
Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a patent infringement lawsuit concerning its game Palworld, unexpectedly released OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop. This action card game, blending tower defense and roguelike elements, initially launched on Steam in 2019. The surprise launch, coupled with a 50% launch discount running until January 24th, has sparked online speculation.
The lawsuit, filed in September 2024 by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, alleges that Palworld's Pal Spheres infringe on Pokémon's creature-capturing patents. Despite this ongoing legal challenge, Pocketpair continues to actively develop and update Palworld, including a major December update and a planned Terraria crossover extending into 2025. Furthermore, they've announced future plans for Palworld, including Mac and potential mobile ports.
OverDungeon's Nintendo Switch debut marks Pocketpair's first foray onto the platform. The lack of prior announcement and the choice of the Nintendo eShop, given Palworld's availability on other consoles, has fueled online discussions about its potential connection to the ongoing lawsuit. Some observers see it as a strategic move by Pocketpair in response to the legal proceedings.
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 similarities, Craftopia continues to receive updates on Steam.
The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with potential for a protracted legal process. The release of OverDungeon adds another layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about Pocketpair's strategy and the future implications of the lawsuit.
