# Pocketpair Palworld development and updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pocketpair-palworld-development-and-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-27T23:10:32.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Pocketpair has announced a major update for the survival crafting game Palworld, titled ‘Side by Side’, scheduled for release in Winter 2026. The announcement coincided with the Palworld Global Popularity Poll 2026, which saw increased participation. In the Pal category, Sekhmet was voted most popular, while Zoe secured first place in the character category. Teaser imagery featuring silhouettes of Zoe, Auri, and Saya has led to community speculation that the update may allow players to team up with these faction leaders.

John ‘Bucky’ Buckley, Head of Publishing and Communications, previously noted that the studio aims to expand the intellectual property through meaningful content rather than increasing size for its own sake. He also indicated that the ‘Side by Side’ update would avoid a November release window to steer clear of major industry competition.

CEO Takuro Mizobe has expressed strong interest in bringing Palworld to Nintendo’s upcoming Switch 2, describing the successor as an ‘incredible’ and ‘amazing’ system. While the studio previously ruled out a port for the original Nintendo Switch due to technical limitations, this potential move faces ongoing legal challenges. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are currently suing Pocketpair for patent infringement. Although Pocketpair has implemented updates, such as patch v0.3.11 which removed the mechanic of throwing spheres to summon creatures, the dispute remains active. A preliminary assessment from the Tokyo District Court is expected on November 9.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Pocketpair expresses interest in releasing Palworld on Nintendo Switch 2

Despite an ongoing patent infringement lawsuit from Nintendo, Pocketpair CEO Takuru Mizobe says the studio is interested in bringing Palworld to the Nintendo Switch 2.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pocketpair-expresses-interest-in-bringing-palworld-to-nintendo-switch-2

### 2026-10-24: Pocketpair discusses the future of Palworld and endgame development

Pocketpair aims to expand Palworld through meaningful content and diverse endgame challenges that preserve player freedom and avoid a traditional live-service model.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pocketpair-discusses-the-future-of-palworld-and-endgame-development

### 2026-10-20: Pocketpair announces Palworld Side by Side update for Winter 2026

Pocketpair announced the ‘Side by Side’ update for Palworld, arriving in Winter 2026, alongside the results of its 2026 Global Popularity Poll.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pocketpair-announces-palworld-side-by-side-update-for-winter-2026

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Cite as: Pocketpair Palworld development and updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pocketpair-palworld-development-and-updates