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 is currently delayed indefinitely in Japan.
Palworld's Japanese PlayStation 5 Launch Delayed
Palworld's PlayStation Debut
The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally as announced during the PlayStation State of Play. Sony even highlighted the game, featuring a character sporting Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear.Despite the global launch, Japanese PlayStation players are currently unable to access the game. This delay is strongly linked to ongoing legal action between Nintendo/Pokémon and Palworld's developer, Pocketpair.
Uncertain Future for Palworld's Japanese PS5 Release
Palworld's official Japanese Twitter (X) account confirmed the worldwide release, excluding Japan, and apologized for the delay. They stated that a Japanese release date remains undetermined.
The reason for the delay is widely believed to be the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo in a Tokyo court. The lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages, potentially halting Palworld's operations entirely if granted. This uncertainty casts a shadow over the game's future in Japan.
