Palworld PS5 Release Excludes Japan, Nintendo Lawsuit Likely the Reason

Palworld, showcased at PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play event, finally arrives on PlayStation consoles after its Xbox and PC debuts. However, a significant exception exists: the PS5 release is delayed indefinitely in Japan due to legal issues with Nintendo.

Palworld's PlayStation 5 Japan Launch Delayed Indefinitely

Palworld's PS5 Debut: A Global Launch, Except in Japan

As announced during the PlayStation State of Play, Palworld launched on PS5 globally. Sony even highlighted the game, showcasing a character sporting Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear. Yet, Japanese PlayStation gamers are currently excluded. The PS5 port's release in Japan is on hold following a legal battle between Nintendo/Pokémon and Palworld's developer, Pocketpair.

Uncertain Future for Palworld's Japanese PS5 Release

Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account confirmed the global launch, excluding Japan. They apologized for the delay and stated that a Japanese release date remains undetermined. The company is working to bring the game to all PS5 users as soon as possible.

While Pocketpair hasn't explicitly stated the reason for the delay, the ongoing patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo in Tokyo District Court is widely believed to be the cause. This lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages, potentially halting Palworld's operations entirely if successful. The injunction, if granted, could lead to the game's removal from the market.