Following its Xbox and PC release, 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: An Unexpected Delay
Palworld's PS5 State of Play Announcement
The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally as revealed at the PlayStation State of Play event. Sony even showcased a trailer featuring a Palworld character decked out in Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear.Despite the worldwide release, Japanese PlayStation gamers are currently unable to access the game. This delay stems from ongoing legal action between Nintendo, Pokémon, and Pocketpair, Palworld's developer.
Japan Release Date: Uncertain Future for Palworld on PS5
Palworld's official Japanese Twitter (X) account addressed the situation, confirming the global PS5 launch across 68 countries and regions, while apologizing to Japanese players for the unforeseen delay. They stated that a Japanese release date remains undetermined. The team pledged to bring the game to all PS5 users as soon as possible.
While the specific reason for the delay in Japan wasn't explicitly stated by Pocketpair, it's widely believed to be directly linked to the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo and Pokémon in Tokyo Court. This lawsuit seeks injunctions and damages, potentially leading to the cessation of Palworld's operations and its removal from digital storefronts. The outcome of this legal battle will ultimately determine the fate of Palworld's PS5 release in Japan.