The Pokémon TCG Pocket mobile game, a reimagined version of the popular tabletop card game, is facing a significant decline in player numbers and revenue, according to recent financial reports. This is a surprising turn of events for a game that initially attracted a massive audience due to its innovative approach to simulating the thrill of opening card packs and building battle decks. However, the game's popularity has waned, and the reasons behind this decline are multifaceted.
One of the primary issues is the game's pull rates, which are abysmal compared to the real-world Pokémon TCG. While the physical game has maintained a consistent pull rate of one-in-four packs offering an ultra-rare or better card, Pocket's rates are disgraceful, making it nearly impossible to obtain the highly sought-after Immersive cards. This has led to a single-minded focus on collecting these animated cards, highlighting the game's design flaws. Players have reported collecting dozens of bulk cards while missing Immersive cards, a stark contrast to the real-world experience.
Another major complaint is the lack of universal pack points, which would allow players to 'buy' missing cards from a set without the need for luck or excessive spending. The current system is set-specific, making it nearly impossible to obtain certain cards without spending a ridiculous amount of money. This has created a sense of frustration among players, who feel they are being restricted from accessing the cards they desire.
The game's stagnation in addressing critical issues is also a significant concern. Out of the 10 major problems identified two years ago, only one has been addressed, and the majority remain unchanged. The trading system, a core element of a trading card game, is atrocious and has not improved since its late arrival. Events and battle leagues are stale and offer no interesting challenges, further diminishing player engagement.
The Premium Pass, a feature that has been a source of embarrassment for players, has also failed to deliver. Despite players' requests for more substantial rewards, the pass remains desultory and anticlimactic. The game's potential, particularly with its animated cards, is not being fully realized, leading to a sense of disappointment among players.
Despite the game's struggles, DeNA, the developer, is not in dire financial straits. The company reported a healthy operating profit of $46 million in the first quarter of 2026, with revenue of $235 million. However, this revenue and profit have dropped significantly year-on-year, indicating the game's decline is impacting the company's overall performance. DeNA's response includes plans to increase login frequency and retention rates, but the effectiveness of these initiatives remains to be seen.
In conclusion, Pokémon TCG Pocket's decline is a result of a combination of factors, including poor pull rates, a lack of universal pack points, and a failure to address critical issues. The game's potential, especially with its animated cards, is not being fully realized, leading to a sense of disappointment among players. It remains to be seen whether DeNA will take the necessary steps to address these issues and restore the game's popularity, but the current trajectory suggests a potential slide into oblivion, a fate that has befallen many gacha apps before it.
