Pokémon TCG Pocket Faces Crisis as Player Count Plummets 50%

WHO:

Sportskeeda - DeNA is the developer behind Pokémon TCG Pocket.

Kotaku - The game has a player base that has significantly decreased.

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - Pokémon TCG Pocket has experienced a massive drop in player count and revenue.

Kotaku - Player numbers for Pokémon TCG Pocket are down over 41 percent compared to the previous year.

Kotaku - DeNA reported a 33 percent decrease in sales for the game.

Kotaku - DeNA's Q1 financial results showed a significant decrease in both revenue and profit.

WHERE:

Kotaku - The game is a mobile app available for players globally.

WHEN:

Kotaku - Pokémon TCG Pocket is approaching its second anniversary in a couple of months.

Kotaku - DeNA's Q1 financial results were reported on August 6, 2026.

WHY:

Kotaku - The decline in player count and revenue is attributed to various shortcomings and irritations in the game that have not been addressed.

Kotaku - Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the game's pull rates and trading system.

HOW:

Kotaku - DeNA plans to execute multi-layered initiatives, including events and promotions, to increase login frequency and retention rates.

(UPDATED August 8, 2026 05:39 UTC)

Pokémon TCG Pocket, developed by DeNA, is facing a significant decline, with player numbers dropping over 41 percent compared to the previous year and a reported 33 percent decrease in sales. As the game approaches its second anniversary in a couple of months, players have voiced their dissatisfaction with issues like pull rates and the trading system, contributing to the drop in both player count and revenue. In response, DeNA is planning to implement multi-layered initiatives, including events and promotions, to boost player engagement and retention.