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 in Japan is indefinitely delayed.
Palworld's PlayStation 5 Japan Launch Delayed Indefinitely
Palworld's PlayStation Debut
As announced during the September 2024 PlayStation State of Play, Palworld launched on PS5 globally. Sony even highlighted the game with a trailer featuring Palworld characters sporting Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear.Despite the global launch, Japanese PlayStation players are currently unable to access the game. This delay stems from ongoing legal action between Nintendo/Pokémon and Palworld developer Pocketpair.
Uncertain Future for Palworld's Japanese PS5 Release
Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account addressed the situation, confirming the global PS5 release in 68 countries and regions but apologizing for the indefinite delay in Japan. They stated that a release date for Japan remains undetermined.
The reason for the delay is widely believed to be the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo in a Tokyo court. This lawsuit seeks injunctions and damages, potentially leading to the cessation of Palworld's operations and removal from the market entirely. The outcome of this legal battle will significantly impact the game's availability in Japan.
