Pokemon TCG Pocket has gone from top dog to underdog in a remarkably short window. Launched in October 2024, the DeNA-developed mobile trading card game quickly became one of the highest-grossing titles on the planet. Fast-forward to early 2026, however, and the once-untouchable card battler is facing a serious reality check: monthly revenue has plunged by around half, and the player base is shrinking at an alarming pace. Industry watchers are now asking the uncomfortable question — can Pokemon TCG Pocket bounce back, or is this the beginning of the end?
📉 A steep slide in revenue and retention
There were already cracks in the foundation before the big drop. The official Q1 2025 report for Pokemon TCG Pocket showed a noticeable dip in player retention, even though developer DeNA publicly expressed confidence that a major update around the game's first anniversary would help right the ship. Despite that optimism, the numbers have been anything but reassuring.
Recent industry estimates show that Pokemon TCG Pocket's revenue in September 2025 was around 50% lower than in August. To make matters worse, the game's iOS player count in October had fallen by roughly 60% compared with previous months. While both revenue and active player figures still sit in the millions, the speed of the decline has set off alarm bells among fans and analysts alike. In the mobile gaming world, a drop that steep is often a sign that casual players are heading for the exits.
💸 September 2025: one of the worst months yet
The financial pain is hard to ignore. With an estimated $27 million in sales, September 2025 ranked as one of the weakest months for DeNA since Pokemon TCG Pocket launched. Because each month's estimated revenue tends to reflect the previous month's expansion sales, the Secluded Springs set appears to have generated the lowest expansion-driven revenue for the developer since release.
That is a rough spot for a game that was supposed to be a long-term money-maker. It also suggests players are not just taking a break — they are voting with their wallets. When a new set fails to excite the community, the ripple effects show up almost immediately in the revenue charts.
🃏 Deluxe Pack EX: a cash grab or a lifeline?
Just before its first anniversary, Pokemon TCG Pocket released the Deluxe Pack EX expansion. The set was pitched as a way to help players catch up on missing cards, but the reception has been lukewarm at best. Some fans have gone so far as to call the expansion a cash grab, pointing to the large number of filler cards and duplicate versions of previously released cards.
The inclusion of foil variants and repeated cards has left many players frustrated. Instead of feeling like a fun way to complete collections, the expansion made it harder for players to finish their Pokedexes without spending even more time or money. In short, the set may have done more harm than good for player goodwill.
🎮 What players are demanding in 2026
By early 2026, the conversation around Pokemon TCG Pocket has shifted from simple frustration to concrete demands. The community has been loud and clear about what the game needs to stay relevant:
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🔄 A complete overhaul of card-distribution mechanics
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🆕 New game modes to keep daily play fresh
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🚫 Less filler and fewer duplicate-heavy expansions
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🏆 Better anniversary rewards and long-term retention features
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⚖️ A more player-friendly balance between free and paid progression
Many fans argue that without these changes, Pokemon TCG Pocket risks becoming another high-potential card game that quietly fades away — similar to the trajectory seen with Marvel SNAP among parts of the player base.
🔮 A make-or-break year
The ball is now in DeNA's court. The rumored major anniversary plans and the potential addition of Mega Evolution cards could still provide a much-needed jolt of excitement. However, as 2026 progresses, the game has not yet shown a decisive turnaround. DeNA and the development team are clearly aware of the shrinking player count and the revenue decline, which at least suggests they aren't asleep at the wheel.
Still, awareness is only half the battle. Pokemon TCG Pocket retains the powerful Pokemon brand and a core audience of dedicated trainers. If the team can roll out meaningful gameplay upgrades and stop leaning on filler-packed expansions, the game could find its second wind. If not, it may continue sliding down the charts and out of the daily rotation for many players.
At this point, Pokemon TCG Pocket is walking on thin ice. It still has the potential to recover, but 2026 is shaping up to be a make-or-break year for one of mobile gaming's most closely watched card battlers.