Palworld, showcased at PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play, is now available on PlayStation consoles following its Xbox and PC releases. However, a significant exception exists: the PS5 launch has been indefinitely delayed in Japan.
Palworld's PlayStation 5 Debut and Subsequent Japanese Delay
Palworld's PS5 Arrival Announced at State of Play
The PS5 version of Palworld launched globally as announced during the September 2024 PlayStation State of Play. Sony even highlighted the game, showcasing a character sporting Horizon Forbidden West-inspired gear. Despite this positive announcement, Japanese PlayStation gamers are currently unable to access the game.
Japan Release Remains Uncertain
Palworld's Japanese Twitter (X) account confirmed the global release, excluding Japan, citing ongoing legal issues. They apologized for the delay and stated that a Japanese release date is yet to be determined. The reason for the delay is widely believed to be the ongoing patent infringement lawsuit filed by Nintendo and Pokémon against developer Pocketpair in Tokyo Court. This lawsuit seeks an injunction and damages, potentially leading to the game's cessation of operations or removal from the market entirely. The uncertainty surrounding the legal battle directly impacts the game's availability in Japan.