GROSS: In Palworld patent case, Nintendo tells Japanese judge mods should not count as prior art because they can't run without underlying games

Nintendo sued Pocketpair in Japanese court over three patents related to Palworld game mechanics. Nintendo argues mods shouldn't count as prior art because they require underlying games to run. Pocketpair claims Nintendo's patents are invalid, citing gameplay videos and mods like Pocket Souls as prior art. Nintendo seeks broad patent interpretation and injunction despite Pocketpair's workarounds. Disputes center on capture mechanics, character deployment, and movement modes. Nintendo's patent amendment has delayed proceedings beyond 2025.