Aniimo: The Next Big Creature-Catching RPG Challenging Palworld and Pokémon?
- Sagar Mankar
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Aniimo, the newly announced action-RPG from Pawprint Studios, made a strong first impression during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, 2025. With its vibrant visuals, open-world gameplay, and adorable collectible creatures, Aniimo is already drawing heavy comparisons to both Pokémon and Palworld. But the big question is: can it truly carve out its own identity — and stay out of Nintendo's legal crosshairs?
What Is Aniimo?
Aniimo is an upcoming free-to-play, open-world action RPG set in a colorful universe called Idyll. Players take on the role of a Pathfinder, a brave explorer who captures and bonds with magical creatures known as Aniimo. The game is coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile in 2026, with a closed beta planned for later this year.
Unlike Pokémon’s traditional turn-based combat, Aniimo leans into real-time action gameplay, similar to Genshin Impact or Palworld. What sets it apart is its signature mechanic: the Twining System — a unique feature that allows players to merge with their creatures, gaining new perspectives, abilities, and traversal options.
Why Is Aniimo Being Compared to Palworld and Pokémon?
1. Familiar Creature-Catching Formula
Aniimo shares core gameplay elements with Pokémon: capturing, evolving, and battling creatures. Like Palworld, it also modernizes the formula with open-world exploration and real-time combat, moving away from Pokémon’s traditional structure.
2. Visual and Tonal Similarities
Aniimo’s bright, cheerful aesthetic reminds many of Pokémon’s family-friendly tone and Palworld’s anime-inspired visuals. Some fans even note UI similarities between Aniimo and Palworld. Others draw stylistic parallels to DokeV, the unreleased game from Pearl Abyss.
3. Genre Legacy and Nintendo’s Legal Shadow
Nintendo has long been protective of its IP — and notoriously litigious. Their lawsuit against Palworld last year — focusing on mechanics like spherical capturing and creature-riding — still echoes throughout the gaming world. While Palworld was a viral hit that drew Nintendo’s ire, Aniimo’s launch is stirring similar concerns.
Could Aniimo Face Legal Action Like Palworld?
It’s possible — but not inevitable.
Nintendo’s lawsuit against Palworld centered around very specific gameplay mechanics, such as the use of “Pal Spheres” and flying mounts that closely mirrored iconic Pokémon interactions. Since then, Palworld has quietly removed or altered several features to comply, like removing the throwable capture mechanic and flight-based traversal.
Aniimo, by contrast, may avoid these legal traps by keeping its mechanics distinct. The Twining system — where players merge with their Aniimo — is a creative twist not seen in Pokémon or Palworld. While creature collection remains a central pillar, if Aniimo avoids direct analogs to Poké Balls or similar copyrighted features, it may stay in the clear.
Plus, as many industry watchers have pointed out, Nintendo seems more concerned with popularity than resemblance. Palworld’s explosive early-access success placed it squarely in Nintendo’s sights. As long as Aniimo stays under the radar or maintains unique enough gameplay, a lawsuit may never come.
When Is Aniimo Releasing?
Aniimo is scheduled to release in 2026 on PC, Xbox, and mobile platforms. A closed beta will launch later this year, offering a hands-on preview of the game’s world, mechanics, and creatures. The beta will run for at least a week, and though progress won’t carry over, participants will earn exclusive rewards.
Players can sign up now via the official Aniimo website. The beta will initially support English only and be available to players on PC and Xbox.
Watch the Aniimo trailer below:
And don't forget! The game operates in a free-to-play model with rumors of monetization circulating — possibly featuring gacha systems and live-service elements.
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