Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Release Amidst Legal Battle
Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a lawsuit 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 was unannounced, further adding to the intrigue surrounding the company's recent actions.
The launch coincides with an ongoing legal dispute stemming from allegations of patent infringement concerning Pocketpair's popular game, Palworld. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed suit in September 2024, claiming Palworld's Pal Spheres infringed upon Pokémon's creature-capturing system patents. Despite this ongoing legal challenge, OverDungeon's debut is accompanied by a celebratory 50% discount until January 24th.
The strategic decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox, has sparked speculation online. Some suggest it's a calculated response to the ongoing lawsuit.
This 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 controversy, Pocketpair continues to support both Craftopia and Palworld, with the latter recently receiving a major update and a planned Terraria crossover extending into 2025.
The legal proceedings between Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and Pocketpair remain largely undisclosed. Patent experts predict a lengthy legal battle if a settlement isn't reached. Pocketpair's future plans for Palworld include a Mac port and a potential mobile release. The release of OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding story.
