Palworld Switch Release Unlikely Due to Technical Challenges, Says Developer
While a Nintendo Switch version of Palworld isn't entirely off the table, Pocketpair CEO Takuro Mizobe has voiced concerns about the technical hurdles involved in porting the game. This isn't due to competition with Pokémon, but rather the demanding PC specifications of Palworld, which present significant challenges for the Switch's hardware.
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Mizobe confirmed ongoing discussions about potential future platforms, but emphasized that Pocketpair currently has no concrete announcements regarding a Switch release or other platforms like PlayStation or mobile. While open to partnerships and acquisitions, the company hasn't engaged in buyout negotiations with Microsoft. Earlier comments from Mizobe highlighted the significant performance difference between the PC and Switch versions, making a straightforward port technically difficult.
Future Plans Include Enhanced Multiplayer and "Ark"/"Rust"-Style Gameplay
Beyond platform considerations, Mizobe expressed a desire to expand Palworld's multiplayer aspects. An upcoming arena mode, described as an experiment, aims to lay the groundwork for a more robust PvP experience. Mizobe's vision is to incorporate elements seen in popular survival games like Ark and Rust, emphasizing competitive PvP alongside PvE content. These games are known for their challenging environments, resource management, and complex player interactions, features Mizobe hopes to integrate into Palworld.
Palworld's successful launch, with 15 million PC copies sold in its first month and 10 million Xbox players via Game Pass, underscores its popularity. A major update, the free Sakurajima update, is scheduled for Thursday, introducing a new island and the highly anticipated PvP arena.