Just a year after its release, Pokémon TCG Pocket appears to be losing its grip on the mobile gaming market. Once one of the top-grossing mobile titles globally, the game’s revenue and player count have both fallen by about 50%, leaving fans and analysts wondering if DeNA can turn things around before its first anniversary.
Rapid Drop in Revenue and Players
According to recent data, Pokémon TCG Pocket’s September 2025 revenue fell by roughly 50% compared to August, bringing in an estimated $27 million—one of DeNA’s lowest monthly figures since launch. Meanwhile, the game’s iOS player base has dropped from nearly 2 million in August to just 875,000 players in October, a decline of about 60%.
While these figures remain high compared to other trading card mobile games, the steep decline is alarming, especially considering that the game launched to massive success in October 2024.
| Month | Estimated Player Count (iOS, Million) | Estimated Revenue (USD, Million) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.1 | 67 |
| February | 2.1 | 91 |
| March | 1.8 | 86 |
| April | 1.7 | 63 |
| May | 1.4 | 80 |
| June | 0.875 | 53 |
| July | 1.6 | 38 |
| August | 1.9 | 53 |
| September | 1.1 | 27 |
| October | 0.875 | N/A |
The downturn suggests that recent expansions, such as Secluded Springs, failed to retain players or attract new ones. In fact, the September revenue report marks one of DeNA’s weakest months since Pokémon TCG Pocket debuted.
Deluxe Pack EX Expansion Fails to Impress
To address player drop-off, Pokémon TCG Pocket recently launched the Deluxe Pack EX expansion, designed to help players fill out their collections. However, the update received mixed reviews. Many players criticized the set as a cash grab, pointing out its abundance of duplicate cards and reissued foil variants.
Instead of reinvigorating excitement, the pack left many collectors frustrated, feeling that it complicated the process of completing their Pokédexes rather than improving it.
Can the Game Recover?
DeNA has expressed confidence that its upcoming “major update”, expected around the game’s first anniversary, will reverse the trend. Rumors suggest the update may introduce Mega Evolution cards and new gameplay features aimed at revitalizing interest.
Still, the community remains skeptical. Many players argue that unless Pokémon TCG Pocket overhauls its card-distribution system and introduces fresh game modes, it risks fading into obscurity like other once-promising digital card games such as Marvel SNAP.
As the first anniversary approaches, DeNA faces a critical test: can Pokémon TCG Pocket evolve fast enough to regain its momentum—or will it soon become another forgotten entry in the Pokémon franchise’s long mobile history?
