Palworld on Nintendo Switch 2: Pocketpair Eyes Port If Hardware Capable

Amid ongoing legal proceedings with Nintendo, Palworld developer Pocketpair has signaled interest in potentially bringing its popular monster-collecting adventure to the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2—provided the upcoming hardware meets technical requirements.

As Palworld continues to maintain momentum following its acclaimed Steam Deck release, the developer cautiously outlines what the future may hold for Nintendo fans eager to see the title on a new platform. Palworld, developed by Tokyo-based studio Pocketpair, launched in Early Access on PC and Xbox platforms in January 2024.

The game's blend of open-world survival and creature collection has garnered significant attention, quickly reaching millions of players and setting sales milestones.

Despite its commercial success, Pocketpair faces a legal dispute with Nintendo relating to intellectual property concerns, adding a layer of complexity to any plans for expansion onto Nintendo hardware. In a recent interview with IGN, Pocketpair’s communications director John 'Bucky' Buckley provided insight into the developer’s position, stating that a Switch 2 port of Palworld is “100% worth considering” if the console is powerful enough.

Buckley stressed, however, that the studio has no privileged knowledge regarding the technical specifications of the unannounced Switch successor.

He explained that after positive results with the Steam Deck version, Pocketpair is enthusiastic about exploring more handheld platforms, provided they can support Palworld’s demanding performance needs. “The work we’ve done on the Steam Deck has shown us what’s possible on portable hardware, and we’d love to bring Palworld to more handhelds if possible,” Buckley told IGN.

When asked about a potential port to the original Nintendo Switch, Buckley clarified, “If we could make the game work on the Switch, we would, but Palworld is a demanding title.” The current Nintendo Switch, originally released in March 2017, has successfully hosted several technically ambitious titles over its lifespan through careful optimization.

However, Palworld’s scope and graphical requirements set a high bar for performance, making the next-generation Switch 2 a more viable candidate.

With speculation around Switch 2 pointing towards a significant hardware upgrade and an expected release window in late 2024 or early 2025, there is growing anticipation in the gaming community regarding its third-party library. Legal factors remain significant; the ongoing lawsuit between Nintendo and Pocketpair centers on alleged patent infringements, with recent developments including new patents approved for Nintendo in the United States.

Despite these proceedings, Pocketpair’s public statements suggest that business and creative interests could take precedence if technical and legal obstacles are overcome. As Palworld continues to top charts and expand its player base on PC and Xbox, the possibility of a future Nintendo Switch 2 port remains an open question dependent on both hardware capabilities and the resolution of ongoing legal matters.

For now, fans will have to wait for further details from both Nintendo Direct presentations and official announcements from Pocketpair as the story develops.

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