Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe claim that Nintendo has acquired another character-summoning patent is not confirmed by the available reporting. A separate U.S. patent covering a character summoned to fight was reportedly given a non-final rejection of all 26 claims in 2026. That examination is not the same proceeding as Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s patent lawsuit against Palworld maker Pocketpair in Japan.
Was Nintendo granted another character-summoning patent?
The specific new patent implied by the original headline has not been verified: the available accounts do not identify a newly granted patent that supports saying Nintendo “acquired another” one. Instead, Nintendo Life reported on April 1, 2026, that U.S. Patent 12,403,397 concerns summoning a character to fight—and that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) had issued a non-final rejection of all 26 claims.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
PAC-MAN World Re-PAC - Nintendo Switch | $27.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - US Version | $52.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Amazon Exclusive Edition - Nintendo Switch | $36.00 | Buy on Amazon |
That is a reported patent-examination development, not confirmation of a new grant. Because the rejection was non-final, it should not be described as a final cancellation or a ruling that the patent is invalid. Nintendo could respond, according to Nintendo Life’s account.
What does the reported U.S. patent cover?
Nintendo Life describes U.S. Patent 12,403,397 as concerning a gameplay system in which a character is summoned to fight. That is a summary of the reported subject, not a finding that the patent covers Palworld or that Pocketpair infringed it. The report does not establish that this patent is one of the rights asserted in the Japanese lawsuit.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- Taking advantage of current generation hardware, this 3D action-adventure platformer is packed with smoother intuitive gameplay, updated visuals including a shiny new look for PAC-MAN and the Ghosts, an improved UI, fine-tuned environmental details
- Adventure through the main campaign in QUEST MODE, play a collection of 3D mazes in MAZE MODE, & clear QUEST MODE to unlock the original PAC-MAN game in ORIGINAL MODE
- Dodge Ghosts & other baddies, solve environmental puzzles, & collect items through the six areas of Ghost Island: Pirate Area, Ruins Area, Space Area, Funhouse Area, Factory Area, & Mansion Area - each featuring multiple levels & a unique boss battle
- More than running & chomping - PAC-MAN will butt-bounce, rev-roll, hover jump, & more through the six areas while collecting PAC-DOTS, fruit, and power ups - Become invincible & walk underwater with the Metal PAC-MAN power-up and become MEGA PAC-MAN
- Find keys hidden in each world to rescue PAC-MOM, PAC-BOY, PAC-SIS, Professor PAC PAC-BUDDY, and Pooka - With each rescue PAC-MAN gains an advantage for the final battle against the dreaded TOC-MAN
How is the patent examination different from the Palworld lawsuit?
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company announced on September 19, 2024, that they had filed a patent-infringement action against Pocketpair in Tokyo District Court the day before. Their announcement says they sought an injunction and damages, alleging that Palworld infringed multiple patent rights. The U.S. patent examination is a separate proceeding in a different jurisdiction; its outcome does not decide the Japanese case.
Yogonet’s September 18, 2026, retrospective says the Japanese case involves three patents concerning creature capture, summoning, and mounting a creature in flight. It also reports that in November 2025 the plaintiffs narrowed their claims to older, pre-patch versions of Palworld. Those details come from Yogonet’s reporting, not Nintendo’s original announcement.
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
| Development | Jurisdiction and proceeding | Reported subject and status |
|---|---|---|
| Action against Pocketpair | Japan; patent-infringement lawsuit | Nintendo’s September 2024 announcement says the companies sought an injunction and damages over alleged infringement of multiple patent rights. Yogonet later reported three patents and a narrowing of claims to older, pre-patch game versions. |
| U.S. Patent 12,403,397 | United States; patent examination | Nintendo Life reported on April 1, 2026, a non-final rejection of all 26 claims in a patent concerning summoning a character to fight. The report says Nintendo could respond. |
| U.S. Patent 12,220,638 | United States; patent grant | The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency reported that it was granted on February 11, 2025, for a creature-capture gameplay system, and related it to a December 31, 2024 grant. |
| Japanese Patent JP7528390 | Japan; patent amendment | The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency reported that the Japan Patent Office approved an amendment concerning real-time mount switching. |
What other patent developments have been reported?
The creature-capture patent and the amendment to JP7528390 are distinct developments from the U.S. summoning-patent examination. The European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency reported that U.S. Patent 12,220,638 was granted on February 11, 2025, for a creature-capture gameplay system and was related to a December 31, 2024 grant. It also reported that the Japan Patent Office approved an amendment to JP7528390 concerning real-time mount switching. These reports do not establish that either development is a new grant covering character summons, or that it determines the Palworld case.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Has the Japanese court ruled?
As of October 8, 2026, the available reporting does not establish a court ruling. Yogonet said an opinion was expected in November 2026; that was a reported expectation, not a decision, and the expected date had not yet arrived. The status of the litigation should not be inferred from the separate U.S. patent examination.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- READY, SET, WARP! Race across 24 tracks and warp to 15 CrossWorlds with Travel Rings, a unique gameplay mechanic that transports the iconic characters from the Sonic and SEGA universes into new dimensions. Use unpredictability to your advantage as you change the landscape of each race!
- RACE WITH THE BEST! Choose from 23 iconic Sonic characters, the largest roster of any Sonic racing game!
- MAKE IT YOURS: Mix and match between 45 unique original vehicles and 70 different gadgets to trick out your ride, level up your kart, and create the ultimate machine to match your racing style.
- GAIN THE ADVANTAGE WITH POWERFUL ITEMS! Dominate your opponents with 23 different items including returning favorites and all-new items like the Monster Truck!
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO PLAY: Gather with friends and play local split-screen in Grand Prix and the new party mode Race Park, compete against a community of players from around the world with up to 12 players online in World Match, or test your driving skills in Time Trials.
Rank #4
- A variety of playable characters are available, some with unique attributes that affect gameplay and platforming physics.
- Younger and less-experienced players will love playing as Toadette, who is brand new to both games, and Nabbit, who was formerly only playable in New Super Luigi U. Both characters offer extra assistance during play.
- Multiplayer sessions are even more fun, frantic, and exciting thanks to entertaining character interactions. Need a boost? Try jumping off a teammate’s head or getting a teammate to throw you.
- Features a wealth of help features, like a Hints gallery, reference videos, and a Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U that can complete levels for you if they’re giving you trouble.
- Three additional modes—Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle—mix up gameplay and add replayability, while also upping the difficulty for players who want to try something harder. Players can use their Mii characters in these modes.
Rank #3
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
