Following its Xbox and PC releases, Palworld finally arrived on PlayStation consoles, as announced during September 2024's PlayStation State of Play. However, a significant exception exists: the PS5 launch is delayed indefinitely in Japan.
Palworld's PlayStation 5 Debut in Japan: A Temporary Halt
Palworld's PlayStation State of Play Reveal
The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally as announced at the PlayStation State of Play, even featuring a trailer showcasing in-game gear inspired by Horizon Forbidden West's Aloy.Despite the worldwide release, Japanese PlayStation gamers are currently unable to access the game. This is attributed to ongoing legal action between Nintendo/Pokémon and Palworld developer Pocketpair.
Japan Release Date: Uncertain Future
Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account addressed the situation, confirming the global launch across 68 countries but acknowledging the delay in Japan. They apologized for the unforeseen postponement and stated that a Japanese release date remains undetermined. The team pledged to make the game available to all PS5 users as soon as possible.
While the exact cause of the delay wasn't explicitly stated, it's widely believed to stem from the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo in Tokyo court. This legal battle seeks an injunction and damages against Pocketpair, potentially leading to the cessation of Palworld's operations and removal from the market. The outcome of this lawsuit will significantly impact the future of Palworld's availability in Japan.
