A new HoYoverse Pokémon-inspired game could violate same Nintendo patent as Palworld

Critics often label Nintendo lawsuits as overreaching. The most recent example is its case against Palworld developer Pocketpair. Many gamers believe a mount patent modified during the case is overly broad. Now, an IP consultant sees a new HoYoverse game as another potential target for Nintendo.

The legal proceedings against Palworld remain ongoing, but Pocketpair has already made changes to its game. In one update, players can no longer mount flying creatures. As an Automaton article explains, the same Nintendo patent could apply to mounting systems in many titles.

The upcoming Honka: Nexus Anima is a Pokémon-style creature catcher that showcases a similar flying mount mechanic. In released footage, characters take flight with pals and cruise around Honka: Star Rail settings. Florian Mueller of Games Fray argues that the “smoothly switch” language found in the Nintendo patent may be relevant. However, he doesn’t see courts penalizing developers for such a common feature.

Nintendo may stay clear of HoYoverse

Other analysts think that the mounting issue wasn’t the main motivator for the Nintendo lawsuit. The focus was more on monster designs that resembled Pokémon creatures. Instead, the gaming giant found it as another justification to pursue its case.

Another factor is that Pocketpair doesn’t boast the massive resources of HoYoverse, or its parent company, MiHoYo. Pocketpair’s Japanese headquarters also made it less complicated to launch litigation. Whether Nintendo would take on the Chinese maker of popular Gacha games, like Genshin Impact, is debatable.

While Honka: Nexus Anima may escape Nintendo’s wrath, the patent remains concerning for small developers. Whenever a potential rival emerges for a Pokémon game or another title, the company could quickly move to shut down these projects.