Pokemon TCG Pocket's revenue has fallen by about 50%, with its player count dropping by a similar amount, leaving many wondering if the game can recover. Released in October 2024, Pokemon TCG Pocket quickly became one of the top-grossing mobile games in the world. However, things have since taken a sharp turn for the DeNA-developed title, which now appears to be on the verge of losing both its revenue and player base.
There were already signs of trouble, as Pokemon TCG Pocket's official Q1 2025 report showed a drop in player retention. However, developer DeNA seemed confident that its planned "major update," expected to launch around the game's first anniversary, will help turn things around. Still, despite those plans, things aren't looking good right now for the once wildly popular trading card game.
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Pokemon TCG Pocket's Revenue and Player Count Drop by About 50%
Recent data shows that Pokemon TCG Pocket's revenue in September was about 50% lower than in August, signaling a sharp decline. Meanwhile, the game's iOS player count in October has fallen by around 60% compared to previous months. Although both revenue and player numbers remain in the millions, the rapid drop has fans concerned about the game's future.
Pokemon TCG Pocket's Revenue and Player Count Trends in 2025
|
Month |
Estimated Player Count on iOS (Million) |
Estimated Revenue in US Dollars (Million) |
|---|---|---|
|
January |
3.1 |
67 |
|
February |
2.1 |
91 |
|
March |
1.8 |
86 |
|
April |
1.7 |
63 |
|
May |
1.4 |
80 |
|
June |
875,000 |
53 |
|
July |
1.6 |
38 |
|
August |
1.9 |
53 |
|
September |
1.1 |
27 |
|
October |
875,000 |
N/A |
With an estimated $27 million in sales, September 2025 ranks as one of the worst months ever for DeNA in terms of revenue. Since each month's estimated revenue largely reflects the previous month's expansion sales, it's clear that Pokemon TCG Pocket's Secluded Springs set has generated the lowest revenue for the developer since the game launched.
Just before its first anniversary, Pokemon TCG Pocket released the Deluxe Pack EX expansion, seemingly aimed at helping players catch up on missing cards. However, the set has received mixed reviews, with some fans calling it a cash grab due to the number of filler cards. Notably, it includes duplicate versions of previously released cards and their foil variants, which many feel add little to the game while making it harder for players to complete their Pokedexes.
It remains to be seen whether Pokemon TCG Pocket's rumored major anniversary plans and the addition of Mega Evolution cards can halt its undeniable decline. What is clear for now is that DeNA and the team behind the game are aware of the shrinking player base and the drop in revenue, suggesting they may be ready to make changes. Many fans argue that the game needs a complete overhaul of its card-distribution mechanics and urgently requires new game modes to keep players engaged. Without these changes, they claim, Pokemon TCG Pocket could soon join the ranks of high-potential but rather forgotten card games like Marvel SNAP.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
WHERE TO PLAY
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