Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Ongoing Lawsuit

Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a legal battle with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, 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 warning, coincides with a 50% discount running until January 24th.

The release comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Pocketpair's popular game, Palworld, which is currently facing a patent infringement lawsuit. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company allege that Palworld's Pal Spheres infringe upon Pokémon's creature-capturing system patents. Despite this legal challenge, Pocketpair has remained active, releasing a major update for Palworld in December and now launching OverDungeon on a competing platform. The strategic decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox, has sparked speculation online, with some suggesting it's a calculated response to the lawsuit.

The launch of OverDungeon isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo titles. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, drew significant comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the ongoing lawsuit, Pocketpair continues to support Palworld with updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria.

The legal battle between Pocketpair and Nintendo/The Pokémon Company remains unresolved, with patent experts predicting a potentially lengthy process. However, Pocketpair has indicated further plans for Palworld in 2025, including a Mac port and a possible mobile release. The future of both Palworld and Pocketpair remains uncertain, but their recent actions demonstrate a continued commitment to game development despite the ongoing legal challenges.

Key takeaways:

• OverDungeon, a genre-bending action-card game, is now available on the Nintendo eShop.
• The surprise launch comes amidst an ongoing patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair.
• The 50% launch discount adds to the intrigue surrounding the release.
• Pocketpair's actions suggest a continued focus on game development despite the legal battle.

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