Palworld on Nintendo Switch 2? Pocketpair Open Despite Pokémon Lawsuit

Pocketpair, the developer behind the hit survival game Palworld, has expressed interest in bringing the title to Nintendo’s next-generation Switch 2 console, even as it faces an ongoing patent infringement lawsuit from Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The legal dispute, which began in September 2024, alleges that Palworld infringes on multiple Pokémon-related patents, but Pocketpair remains defiant and optimistic about expanding its player base. In a recent interview, Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe said the studio would “love to” release Palworld on Switch 2 if the hardware can handle the game’s technical demands. The original Switch was deemed insufficient for Palworld’s open-world survival mechanics, but the Switch 2’s rumored improved specs could make a port feasible. Mizobe’s comments signal that the lawsuit has not derailed Pocketpair’s long-term platform strategy. A Switch 2 version would expose Palworld to Nintendo’s massive audience, potentially reigniting sales that surpassed 25 million players within its first month on PC and Xbox. However, the legal battle adds uncertainty, as Nintendo could seek an injunction to block the game’s release on its own hardware. Industry analysts note that such a move would be unprecedented, given Nintendo’s control over its platform. Palworld’s blend of creature collection, survival, and combat has drawn comparisons to Pokémon, but Pocketpair insists its game is distinct. The outcome of the lawsuit may determine whether the two franchises can coexist on the same console. For now, Palworld fans on Nintendo systems can only wait and hope for a resolution that brings the game to Switch 2.