Palworld, showcased at PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play event, has finally arrived on PlayStation consoles following its Xbox and PC releases. However, a significant exception exists: the PS5 launch is indefinitely delayed in Japan. This delay is strongly linked to ongoing legal action involving Nintendo.

Palworld's PlayStation 5 Debut and Japan's Exclusion

Palworld's PS5 Arrival Announced at State of Play

The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally as announced during the PlayStation State of Play in September 2024. Sony even highlighted the game, showcasing a character sporting Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear. Despite the global release, Japanese PlayStation gamers are currently unable to access the game.

The Unresolved Japanese Release Date

Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account addressed the situation, confirming the worldwide launch (excluding Japan) and apologizing for the delay. They stated that a Japanese release date remains undetermined, citing their commitment to bringing the game to all PS5 users as soon as possible.

The unstated reason for the delay is widely believed to be the legal battle between Nintendo, Pokémon, and Palworld's developer, Pocketpair, concerning patent infringement. Nintendo's recent lawsuit filed in Tokyo District Court, seeking an injunction and damages, casts a significant shadow over the game's future in Japan. A granted injunction could halt Palworld's operations entirely, potentially resulting in the game's removal from the market.