Pokémon TCG Pocket: A $200 Million Phenomenon in Mobile Gaming Within Its First Month

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has made a remarkable impact since its release, reportedly crossing the impressive $200 million threshold within its inaugural month. This achievement notably surpasses the performance of both Pokémon Sleep and Pokémon Unite. According to estimates from AppMagic, the digital card game amassed approximately $208 million by November 29, just a month following its launch on October 30. Although Pokémon TCG Pocket is available for free, it includes options for players to purchase additional booster packs, cosmetic items, and a monthly subscription that provides access to an extra pack each day.

The app experienced a strong start, with early projections indicating that it was generating around $3 million daily shortly after achieving $12 million in just four days. Currently, those figures show further growth, with average daily revenue estimated at $6.5 million. One of its highest earnings days occurred during the Mass Outbreak event, where revenue peaked at $8.4 million, even though some players expressed disappointment concerning the event's content. Pokémon TCG Pocket employs a conventional model for mobile and free-to-play games, rewarding players abundantly in the initial days before incentives seemingly taper off.

Consequently, the experience of rushing gameplay can only be sustained through real-world purchases. Players engage in the thrilling process of opening booster packs to assemble card collections and construct decks for battles; however, deck-building features remain limited currently, with the collection aspect receiving more focus. Without making purchases, users can only acquire two packs per day. In terms of completion, tackling the Genetic Apex set of cards—officially totaling 226—may require roughly two years for individuals who prefer not to allocate money. In contrast, avid collectors willing to invest can complete their collection by spending approximately $1,500.

It is important to note that acquiring every card is already challenging without additional financial investment, as a separate set of promotional cards is currently available, including two that are exclusively accessible through a $9.99 monthly Premium Pass. The game's developers, Creatures Inc., are planning to introduce a smaller card set in December, with an anticipated major release for the second official set scheduled for January.