Following its Xbox and PC releases, Palworld finally arrived on PlayStation consoles, as announced during the September 2024 PlayStation State of Play. However, a significant exception exists: the PS5 launch is delayed indefinitely in Japan.
Palworld's PlayStation 5 Debut: A Global Launch with a Notable Absence
Palworld's PS5 Arrival Showcased at State of Play
The PlayStation State of Play in September 2024 officially announced Palworld's PS5 release. Sony even showcased a trailer featuring a Palworld character sporting Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear.Despite the global rollout, Japanese PlayStation users are currently unable to access the game. This delay is directly linked to ongoing legal action between Nintendo/Pokémon and Pocketpair, Palworld's developer.
Palworld's PS5 Japan Release: Uncertain Future
Palworld's Japanese (X) Twitter account acknowledged the global launch, noting its availability in 68 countries and regions. They apologized to Japanese players for the unforeseen delay, confirming that a Japanese release date remains undetermined. The statement emphasized their commitment to bringing the game to all PS5 users as soon as possible.
While Pocketpair hasn't explicitly stated the reason for the delay, it's widely believed to stem from the patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo and Pokémon in a Tokyo court. This lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages, potentially leading to the cessation of Palworld's operations and its removal from the market entirely. The outcome of this legal battle will directly impact the future of Palworld's availability in Japan.
