As Polygon reports, Nintendo filed for a patent on Pokeball mechanics back in 2021. In more technical language, it covers aiming and throwing an item to capture a character in the field ...

The game recently released an update that removed the ability for players to summon creatures from Pal Spheres after they were thrown, in the same way one would throw a Pokeball to summon a Pokemon.

Although Pocket Pair hasn't yet provided a reason for these changes, it's perhaps notable the update arrives amid the studio's ongoing legal battle with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.