Key Highlights
- Nintendo’s lawsuit against Palworld hasn’t fully stopped Pokémon knock-offs.
- Pickmon is a new Pokémon ripoff that uses similar designs and mechanics as both Pokémon and Palworld.
- The game features characters and monsters inspired by Pokémon, Palworld, and even Overwatch.
- Developed by PocketGame with early access planned for 2027.
Nintendo’s Legal Struggles in the Pokémon Copycat World
You might think this is new, but… it’s not. The battle against Pokémon copycats has been ongoing since at least March 9, 2026. Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Palworld last year, hoping to put a stop to the proliferation of knock-offs. However, as we see with Pickmon, it seems that some developers are still willing to test the legal waters.
Pickmon: A Mash-Up of Pokémon and Palworld
Someone’s made another Pokémon ripoff called Pickmon. The game looks like a direct mix between Pokémon and Palworld, with monster designs that are dangerously close to infringing on Nintendo’s intellectual property. For instance, the main character could easily be mistaken for Link from The Legend of Zelda, while the monsters wield firearms reminiscent of Palworld.
Between the trailer and key art, it’s clear that Pickmon has taken inspiration from various Pokémon creatures like Ceruledge, Charizard, Meganium, Lucario, and Cobalion.
Even the name “Pickmon” itself seems to echo Pokémon’s branding strategy. But the comparisons don’t stop there. Characters in Pickmon resemble Roadhog from Overwatch and some characters from the Story of Seasons series.
Early Access Planned for 2027
Pickmon is currently requesting early access for streamers and content creators to feature the game before its public launch in 2027. The game’s Steam page lists PocketGame as the developer, though this appears to be their only game on the platform so far.
The Broader Implications
While Nintendo has shown a willingness to fight back against copycats with legal action, it seems that enough knock-offs have managed to slip through the cracks. The emergence of Pickmon highlights the ongoing challenge for video game companies in protecting their intellectual property in an era where technology and gaming mechanics can spread quickly.
The industry is like a battlefield—companies must constantly adapt and innovate to stay ahead. But as we see with Pickmon, some developers are still eager to ride on the coattails of established franchises without fully respecting copyright laws. This not only undermines the original creators but also sets a dangerous precedent for future copycats.
