Fans of the monster-taming game, Palworld, are holding their breath for a possible launch on the Nintendo Switch 2, provided the new console has the necessary specifications. Pocketpair, the game's developer, previously stated that adapting Palworld to the original Switch was not feasible, but recent discussions suggest a shift in possibilities with the upcoming hardware.
Speaking to IGN during the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Pocketpair's communications director John 'Bucky' Buckley expressed a willingness to explore the option if the Switch 2's capabilities allow for it. "We haven't seen those specs yet. Like everyone else, we're waiting. I'm walking around GDC hoping someone will tell me them, but everyone I've spoken to says they haven't even seen them," Buckley remarked regarding the unknown parameters of the new system. He did note, however, that if the console is capable enough, "it's 100 percent worth considering" bringing Palworld to the platform.
A trailer for the Switch 2 was released in January 2025, revealing limited information such as upgraded Joy-Con controllers and hints of new games, including a potential Mario Kart installment. Although the specific release date remains undisclosed, many anticipate a significant reveal during Nintendo's upcoming showcase scheduled for early April.
Bringing Palworld to the Nintendo Switch 2 could be a strategic move for Pocketpair, particularly as it seeks to capture the attention of fans of the rival monster-catching franchise, Pokémon. Currently, Nintendo retains distribution rights for Pokémon, which means all new titles are released exclusively on its consoles. Given that many ardent fans in the monster-taming niche likely already own a Switch, launching Palworld could broaden its audience.
One significant aspect affecting the potential release of Palworld on Switch 2 is Pocketpair's ongoing legal tussle with Nintendo over patent infringement, specifically concerning the mechanics used in Pokémon. In September 2024, Nintendo sued Pocketpair for infringing on multiple patents, which led to the studio removing the summoning mechanic that involved throwing Pokéball-style objects, known as Pal Spheres, from its game.
Despite this rocky relationship, Pocketpair released another title, Overdungeon, on the Nintendo Switch Store in January 2025, indicating that collaborations could still occur between the two companies.
The communication surrounding Palworld's arrival on the Switch 2 is particularly emphasized by Buckley's interest in making it available on more handheld devices post-optimization done for the Steam Deck. "We did a lot of optimization for Steam Deck, which we were really happy with. Still work to do, but we're really happy with how it turned out," he stated, underscoring the developer's readiness to expand its footprint into more handheld gaming platforms.
As the anticipation builds for the Switch 2's capabilities, the gaming community is left to wonder if Nintendo will allow a game it has previously taken legal action against to be featured on its next-generation console. Nevertheless, the upcoming Nintendo Direct event could shed light on the hardware's specifications and provide more clarity on whether Palworld will be part of the Switch 2 ecosystem.
Given the rise of indie games and the competitive landscape of the gaming industry since the original Switch's launch in 2017, it’s clear that the new console will need to include a variety of third-party titles, including Palworld, in order to remain relevant and attract gamers not just to Nintendo’s first-party releases, but to the overall console experience.
According to Buckley, the team at Pocketpair is sincerely invested in creating a successful version of Palworld for the Nintendo Switch 2, but they currently lack crucial information. "If it's beefy enough, it's 100 percent worth considering," he reiterated, emphasizing the spirit of eagerness and determination to exploit the new generation of gaming consoles.
Gamers can only wait as Nintendo prepares to share important updates about the Switch 2. The potential for Palworld being featured on the platform hinges largely on the technical specifications that have yet to be disclosed but could inspire excitement among fans of the genre.
The question remains whether these two entities can navigate their current legal challenges and foster a future that accommodates their fans.
