Palworld PS5 Release Excludes Japan, Nintendo Lawsuit Likely the Reason

Palworld, showcased at PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play event, is now available on PlayStation consoles, following its Xbox and PC release. However, a significant exception exists: the PS5 launch in Japan is indefinitely delayed.

Palworld's PlayStation 5 Debut and Japanese Delay

The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally as announced during the PlayStation State of Play, even featuring a trailer showcasing Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear. A celebratory announcement was made on Palworld's official channels.

Yet, Japanese PlayStation gamers are left waiting. The delay is strongly linked to ongoing legal action. Nintendo and Pokémon have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Palworld's developer, Pocketpair, causing the indefinite postponement of the Japanese PS5 release.

Uncertainty Surrounds the Japanese Release Date

Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account acknowledged the global launch and apologized for the delay in Japan, stating that a release date remains undetermined. While the exact reason for the delay isn't explicitly stated, the ongoing legal battle is widely assumed to be the cause. Nintendo's lawsuit, filed in Tokyo, seeks injunctions and damages, potentially leading to Palworld's closure if successful. The future of the game in Japan hangs in the balance.