In a surprising move, Pocketpair has launched Overdungeon, a unique action card game, on the Nintendo Switch, despite ongoing legal troubles surrounding its popular title Palworld. Initially released on Steam in 2019, Overdungeon combines real-time card battles with tower defense and roguelike mechanics, offering players dynamic gameplay with hundreds of cards to create powerful, and sometimes absurd, decks. Players can summon everything from alpacas to chickens to engage in fast-paced dungeon battles, making for an unpredictable and fun experience.
This release is a significant step for Pocketpair as it marks their first game on the Switch, albeit with little fanfare or major marketing, likely due to their current lawsuit with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company over Palworld. The timing of this launch is curious, with some speculating that the studio is cautiously testing the waters on the Switch market without the added pressure of a larger promotional push.
Overdungeon is available for $14.99 on the Nintendo eShop, with a limited-time 50% discount until January 24. The game’s humorous card-based combat, along with its random events and roguelike stages, offers a refreshing twist on the genre, drawing comparisons to games like Slay the Spire. With the game’s growing fanbase and the chance for future releases, including possibly Palworld on Switch, Pocketpair is proving that they’re ready to face their challenges head-on while expanding their portfolio.
The quiet debut of Overdungeon on Switch might be a strategic move for the developer, testing console waters while navigating the ongoing legal battle, signaling that Pocketpair’s ambition remains strong despite external setbacks.