Pokémon TCG Pocket has experienced a substantial decrease in its monthly active player base, dropping approximately 41% from an average of 39 million users during the April to June quarter of last year to around 23 million for the same period in 2026. This information comes from DeNA, the co-developer and operator of the mobile game, as detailed in its latest financial reports.
Despite the significant year-over-year decline, the rate of player loss has reportedly slowed. The game averaged 24 million monthly active users in the preceding quarter, indicating a loss of about one million players quarter-on-quarter. DeNA has stated its focus is now on strategies to increase player engagement, improve retention, and foster greater in-game activity.
These initiatives are expected to include limited-time events, the introduction of new card sets and special booster packs, login rewards, competitive events, and enhancements to features such as trading. While specific plans have not yet been revealed, DeNA has highlighted events and promotions as key components of its strategy. The game recently released its latest card set, Ruler of the Skies, in late July, featuring new Mega Evolution cards.
The impact of this player decline is also reflected in DeNA's financial results. The company's games division generated $76.88 million in revenue for the quarter, a 33% decrease from $114.98 million a year prior. Profit from the division saw a more drastic reduction, falling 62% from $64.16 million to $24.14 million, with DeNA attributing the year-over-year change primarily to Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Player feedback suggests several potential reasons for diminishing interest. Recurring complaints revolve around the difficulty of acquiring rare cards, with some players calling for improved pull rates and expressing frustration over receiving duplicate cards. The trading system, introduced in January 2025, has also been a point of contention. Although developers have made adjustments, such as removing Trade Tokens, restrictions persist, including limits on trading with friends and the types of cards that can be exchanged.
Further player suggestions include quality-of-life improvements for managing duplicate cards and greater flexibility concerning the pack points earned from opening boosters. Even with the significant reduction in its audience, Pokémon TCG Pocket continues to maintain a substantial player base, with approximately 23 million monthly active users. DeNA's primary challenge now is to ensure this considerable remaining audience remains engaged with the game.