Palworld Addresses Possibility of Switch Port

Disappointing news for Switch gamers eager to dive into the world of Palworld: a Nintendo Switch version is currently off the table. Palworld, an early access survival game boasting a roster of collectible, Pokémon-esque creatures, enjoyed a surge in popularity upon its early 2024 release. However, interest has since cooled. Fortunately, upcoming updates aim to reignite the flame.

The Sakurajima Update, arriving June 27th, promises to be the game's most substantial update yet. This significant content drop introduces a new explorable island, fresh Pals to capture, challenging new bosses, an increased level cap, and dedicated servers for Xbox players. While this update is expected to draw back lapsed players, the fun, for now, is limited to PC and Xbox users.

Currently, Palworld is an Xbox console exclusive, although a PlayStation port is in the works. This has led many to speculate about a potential Switch release. However, in an interview with Game File (via VGC), Pocketpair's Takuro Mizobe cited "technical reasons" as the primary obstacle to a Switch port, suggesting the console's hardware limitations may hinder optimal performance. This doesn't entirely rule out future Nintendo console releases, though.

Palworld's Uncertain Nintendo Future

While unmentioned, Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2 console is anticipated to offer a significant performance boost over its predecessor. This improved power should theoretically enable Palworld to run smoothly, especially considering its current availability on the nearly 11-year-old Xbox One. However, the game's thematic similarities to Nintendo's own Pokémon franchise could present a significant hurdle to a Nintendo release.

The possibility of a Palworld Nintendo debut remains uncertain. Nevertheless, portable Palworld gameplay is achievable. The game reportedly performs well on the Steam Deck, providing a handheld option for PC gamers. Furthermore, if rumors of a new Xbox handheld materialize, Palworld's availability on that platform seems highly probable.