Pocketpair's Surprise Nintendo eShop Launch Amidst Legal Battle
Pocketpair, the developer embroiled in a legal dispute 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 title and follows months of controversy surrounding their popular game, Palworld.
The September 2024 lawsuit alleges patent infringement related to Palworld's Pal Spheres, deemed similar to Pokémon's Poké Balls. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Pocketpair celebrated OverDungeon's launch with a 50% discount, lasting until January 24th. This move, coupled with the December update for Palworld that boosted concurrent Steam players, has sparked speculation online regarding Pocketpair's strategy.
The sudden release of OverDungeon on the Nintendo eShop, without prior announcement, is particularly noteworthy given Palworld's availability on PS5 and Xbox. Some observers suggest this could be a strategic response to the ongoing lawsuit.
A History of Comparisons to Nintendo Titles
OverDungeon isn't Pocketpair's first game to draw comparisons to Nintendo franchises. Their 2020 release, Craftopia, an RPG bearing resemblance to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, continues to receive updates on Steam. Meanwhile, Palworld continues to be actively promoted, recently announcing a collaboration with Terraria, featuring a new Pal and promising further content throughout 2025.
The legal battle between Pocketpair, Nintendo, and The Pokémon Company remains ongoing, with patent experts suggesting a protracted legal process if a settlement isn't reached. Beyond the Terraria crossover, Pocketpair has hinted at additional plans for Palworld in 2025, including Mac and potential mobile ports. The release of OverDungeon adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding situation.
