Controversial 'Palland' Launches on Nintendo Switch eShop Amid Palworld Comparisons

A new game titled Palland has caught the attention of Japanese Nintendo Switch users after launching on the Nintendo eShop, drawing widespread comparisons to the hit survival game Palworld.

Palland, developed by an independent studio, was released on July 31, 2025, and is now available for USD9.99—a price significantly lower than Palworld's standard retail cost on platforms like Steam and PlayStation. The gameplay in Palland bears noticeable similarities to Palworld, offering players a "rich and immersive experience where base-building, combat, exploration, and evolution blend into one dynamic and strategic journey." These features closely parallel those found in Palworld, raising concerns among gamers and industry commentators about the legitimacy of Palland’s design and concept. As of now, Palland remains listed on the Nintendo eShop, and there have been no public statements or copyright infringement claims from Pocketpair, the developers of Palworld.

This situation has fueled speculation in the gaming community regarding whether Pocketpair is aware of the title or choosing to address it through internal channels. Pocketpair, the studio behind Palworld, is no stranger to legal controversy.

The company is currently involved in an ongoing patent lawsuit brought by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, focusing on similarities between Palworld and the Pokémon franchise.

The legal battle has put a spotlight on issues of intellectual property and originality within the game development ecosystem. Palland's arrival on the Nintendo Switch further complicates the landscape, highlighting the challenges platform holders like Nintendo face in monitoring and regulating content distributed via the eShop.

For players, the situation serves as a case study in the fast-moving world of game development, copyright, and the distinct pressures popular titles can create after making a significant impact on the marketplace. As the gaming community continues to discuss Palland's legitimacy and its place on the Nintendo eShop, the industry watches closely for any response from Pocketpair or further action by Nintendo.

This case not only underscores the importance of originality but also emphasizes the ongoing discussion around how platform holders manage content in an era of rapid game development and global marketplaces.

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