Palworld PS5 Japan Release Delayed: Nintendo Lawsuit?

Revealed at PlayStation State of Play Sept. 2024, Palworld is arriving on the PlayStation console after its initial Xbox and PC debuts. However, Palworld's PS5 launch has apparently been delayed in Japan following recent events with Nintendo.

Palworld PlayStation 5 Port in Japan Indefinitely SuspendedPalworld PlayStation Launch Announced at State of Play

Palworld launches on the PS5 today, as revealed at the PlayStation State of Play September 2024. In line with Palworld's PlayStation debut, Sony unveiled a trailer showcasing your Palworld character with gear inspired by Aloy from Sony's action RPG Horizon Forbidden West.

However, global PlayStation users won't all gain access simultaneously. The Palworld PS5 version launched for most, excluding Japan—where Nintendo and Pokémon filed a lawsuit against Pocketpair. Palworld's PS5 release is delayed in the country following a patent infringement claim by Nintendo and Pokémon against developer Pocketpair.

Palworld PS5 Japan Release Date Still Undecided

Following Sony's announcement, Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account updated fans on the PS5 version's launch. "As announced at the official PlayStation State of Play, the PS5 version of 'Palworld' launched today in 68 countries and regions worldwide," Palworld announced.

The Palworld team apologized to Japanese PlayStation players for the temporary unavailability. They confirmed that a Japanese release date remains undecided. "The Japan release date is undetermined. We apologize to Japanese fans anticipating 'Palworld,' and will strive to deliver the game to all PS5 users soon."

Pocketpair didn't specify the reason for the indefinite delay in Japan, but it's presumed to be the ongoing legal dispute there between Nintendo, Pokémon, and Palworld concerning patent infringement. Last week, Nintendo announced a Tokyo court case, seeking an injunction and damages against Palworld. A granted injunction could halt Palworld's operations, potentially leading to the game's removal.