Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo Switch Release Amidst Legal Battle
Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a legal dispute 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, announced without prior warning on January 9th, coincided with a celebratory 50% discount lasting until January 24th. This move follows months of controversy surrounding Palworld, Pocketpair's popular monster-collecting game, which is currently facing a patent infringement lawsuit alleging similarities to Pokémon's core mechanics. While Palworld is available on PS5 and Xbox, the choice to debut OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop has sparked speculation online, with some suggesting it's a strategic response to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The OverDungeon release is not Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo franchises. Their 2020 RPG, Craftopia, drew significant comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the lawsuit, Pocketpair continues to support both Craftopia and Palworld, with the latter recently receiving a major update and a planned Terraria crossover, expanding throughout 2025. Furthermore, Palworld is slated for a Mac port and potentially a mobile version in the future.
The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with patent experts predicting a potentially lengthy process if a settlement isn't reached. Despite the uncertainty, Pocketpair's simultaneous support of multiple projects, including this surprising Nintendo Switch launch, highlights the company's continued activity and ambition.
