Palworld PS5 Release Excludes Japan, Nintendo Lawsuit Likely the Reason

Palworld, the highly anticipated game, is set to expand its reach to the PlayStation 5 following its successful launch on Xbox and PC. The announcement came during the PlayStation State of Play in September 2024, marking a significant milestone for the game. However, the excitement is tempered for fans in Japan, where the PS5 release has been indefinitely postponed due to legal challenges from Nintendo.

Palworld's PlayStation Debut Showcased at State of Play

Palworld's arrival on the PS5 was highlighted with a captivating trailer, featuring the game's character adorned in gear inspired by Aloy from Sony's acclaimed action RPG, Horizon Forbidden West. This cross-promotional element adds a unique flair to the game's PS5 version, which is now available in 68 countries and regions worldwide.

Despite the global launch, Japanese PlayStation enthusiasts will have to wait longer to experience Palworld on their PS5. The reason behind this delay is linked to a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo and Pokémon against Palworld's developer, Pocketpair. The legal action, initiated in Tokyo Court, seeks an injunction and damages, which could potentially halt Palworld's operations and lead to its removal from the market.

Palworld PS5 Japan Release Date Remains Undecided

In a statement released on their Japanese Twitter (X) account, the Palworld team expressed their regret over the delay in Japan. "As announced at the official PlayStation State of Play, the PS5 version of 'Palworld' was released today in 68 countries and regions worldwide," they stated. They apologized to their Japanese fans, noting that the release date for Japan has not yet been determined. "We are very sorry for the Japanese people who have been eagerly awaiting the release of 'Palworld', but we are committed to delivering the game to all PS5 users as soon as possible."

While Pocketpair did not explicitly mention the lawsuit as the cause for the delay, the timing and context strongly suggest that the legal proceedings are the primary reason behind the indefinite postponement of Palworld's PS5 release in Japan. Last week, Nintendo's announcement of filing a case in Tokyo Court has added uncertainty to the future of Palworld in the region. If the court grants an injunction, it could force Pocketpair to cease operations on Palworld, potentially leading to the game's removal from the market.