Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo Switch 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, adding to the surprise, and is accompanied by a celebratory 50% discount until January 24th.
The company's move comes amidst an ongoing legal dispute stemming from their popular monster-collecting game, Palworld. In September 2024, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit alleging patent infringement related to Palworld's Pal Spheres, claiming similarity to Pokémon's creature-capturing mechanics. While Pocketpair has acknowledged the situation, the specifics remain largely undisclosed. Despite the legal challenge, Palworld continues to receive updates and has seen a surge in players following a significant December update. The choice to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, given Palworld's availability on other platforms, has sparked speculation online, with some suggesting it as a strategic response to the ongoing lawsuit.
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