Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally demanded the U.S. government stop using characters from Mario, Pokémon, and Naruto in official social media posts without permission. The requests, made at least twice in June 2025 through diplomatic channels, cite copyright concerns and potential brand damage from pro-war content. Japanese fans have amplified the pressure through a petition that reached the Cabinet Office and drew international media attention.
A leaked trailer has revealed that Pokémon Pokopia's first major DLC expansion, Bubbly Basin, launches on August 5, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2. The expansion introduces underwater exploration, new water-type Pokémon, and aquatic-themed cosmetics as part of a $34.99 expansion pass that includes two additional content drops through 2027.
Discover the current lineup of Pokémon-themed controllers for Nintendo Switch 2, including wireless and wired options from PowerA and HORI. Learn how Switch 1 controllers remain compatible, albeit with some feature limitations. Upgrade your gaming experience with these officially licensed designs.
Nintendo's high-stakes lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair over patent infringement may result in a surprisingly small $30,000 payout if won, according to IP expert Florian Mueller. The lawsuit, centered on Palworld's mechanics similarities to Pokémon, has already led to changes in Palworld's gameplay. Despite this, the potential payout is deemed "chump change" compared to Nintendo's litigation expenses.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A's Season 12 kicks off June 4 at 2 a.m. EDT, bringing a monumental shift to its battling scene by lifting all Pokémon restrictions. Both the Lumiose and Hyperspace Pokédexes are fully unlocked, including legendary powerhouses. This drastic change promises a wild experiment, potentially upending the meta for better or worse.
Discover why "Monster Crown" is captivating gamers with its Pokémon-esque charm on Nintendo Switch, boasting impressive reviews for its engaging gameplay and strategic depth. This new title offers a fresh take on the monster-collecting genre, enticing both veterans and newcomers. With its release on Switch, "Monster Crown" is a must-play for fans of the genre.
A man from Iowa, Kyle Lee Owens, is suing Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for $341,000 after being denied the title of Pokémon Professor due to a background check revealing past misdemeanors. Despite passing the initial test, Owens' application was revoked, citing failure to meet the company's higher standards. He claims this denial has resulted in lost economic benefits and is seeking reinstatement.
Nintendo's bid to patent Poké Ball-style capture mechanics for touchscreen devices has been denied by the Japan Patent Office, dealing a blow to its lawsuit against Palworld, a monster-taming survival game set to release on phones and tablets later this year. The decision cites lack of an "inventive step." This setback continues the ongoing saga since 2024, highlighting the challenges Nintendo faces in leveraging patents to protect its intellectual property in the gaming space.
Nintendo's legal woes against Palworld developer Pocketpair continue as a touchscreen-specific patent for monster-catching mechanics was denied. The rejection, citing lack of innovation, is the latest setback in an ongoing battle. Palworld's similarities to Pokémon mechanics are at the heart of the dispute.
Nintendo's share price has dropped 7% despite announcing a $50 price hike for the Switch 2, as investors worry about production costs and a barren 2026 game release list. The console has sold 20 million units and 50 million games, but the lack of upcoming big titles, including the next mainline Pokémon game not arriving until 2027, spooks backers. This contrasts with Sony's 10% share price leap, highlighting Nintendo's vulnerability.
