Nintendo Switch 新作: Palworld 开发者不顾诉讼惊喜发布

Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Legal Battle

Pocketpair, the developer behind the controversial Palworld, 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 and comes as a surprise, given the ongoing legal dispute with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.

The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleges patent infringement concerning Palworld's Pal Spheres, which bear resemblance to Pokémon's Poké Balls. Despite the controversy, Pocketpair celebrated OverDungeon's launch with a 50% discount, valid until January 24th. The decision to release OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, while Palworld is available on other platforms, has fueled speculation online, with some suggesting it as a strategic response to the lawsuit.

This isn't Pocketpair's first brush with comparisons to Nintendo properties. Their 2020 RPG, Craftopia, drew comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Despite the ongoing legal issues, Pocketpair continues to support Palworld with updates and collaborations, including a recent crossover with Terraria.

The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with some experts predicting a protracted legal process. However, Pocketpair has indicated further plans for Palworld in 2025, including Mac and potential mobile ports. The release of OverDungeon adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding situation.