Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Legal Battle
Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a lawsuit with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, 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, unannounced beforehand, coincided with a 50% discount lasting until January 24th.
The release comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings stemming from allegations of patent infringement concerning Palworld, Pocketpair's popular monster-collecting game. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed suit in September 2024, claiming Palworld's "Pal Spheres" infringed upon Pokémon's creature-capturing patents. Despite the controversy, Palworld received a significant update in December, boosting its player count. The strategic OverDungeon eShop release has fueled speculation regarding Pocketpair's response to the lawsuit.
The timing of the OverDungeon launch and the ongoing legal battle has sparked debate among gamers and industry analysts. While Palworld remains Pocketpair's flagship title, the company has a history of games drawing comparisons to Nintendo properties. Craftopia, released in 2020, bore resemblance to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the legal challenges, Pocketpair continues to support Palworld with updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria.
The legal dispute between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains unresolved, with potential for prolonged litigation. However, Pocketpair has indicated future plans for Palworld, including a Mac port and a possible mobile version. The OverDungeon release adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.
