Palworld, showcased at PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play, is now available on PS5, following its Xbox and PC releases. However, a significant exception exists: the game's launch in Japan is indefinitely delayed due to legal action.
Palworld's PS5 Japan Release Delayed Indefinitely
Palworld's PS5 Debut
The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally as announced during the PlayStation State of Play, even featuring a trailer showcasing Aloy-inspired gear. Despite this global release, Japanese PlayStation users are currently unable to access the game.
The Japanese Delay
Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account confirmed the worldwide release, excluding Japan, and apologized for the delay. They stated that a Japanese release date is yet to be determined. The reason for this delay is widely believed to be a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo and Pokémon against Pocketpair, Palworld's developer.
Nintendo's lawsuit, filed in Tokyo Court, seeks an injunction and damages. A granted injunction could force Pocketpair to cease Palworld operations entirely, potentially resulting in the game's removal from all platforms. While Pocketpair hasn't officially confirmed the connection between the lawsuit and the Japanese delay, the timing and circumstances strongly suggest a direct link. The situation remains unresolved, leaving the future of Palworld's PS5 release in Japan uncertain.
