On October 30th, 2024, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket launched on mobile devices. This new mobile game was created by The Pokemon Company and DeNA as a means for people to collect and battle Pokemon cards virtually. In mere days since launch, The Pokemon Company cited over 10 million downloads. Is the quick and wicked success just a fad, or is this success here to stay?
The Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket‘s initially popularity spread like wildfire. This mobile game was, of course, set up for some level of success due to the massive Pokemon fanbase, but no one could predict if virtual trading cards would hold a candle to the physical TCG.
Now, we know that a massive launch doesn’t always translate to long term success. Where does Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket fit in?
While no official financial numbers have been provided at this time, GameFile reports that “Sensor Tower estimates the game made $2.8 million in revenue on its second day“. If this is true, it sure is a great start; however, it still has miles to go before scratching the top ten mobile games such as Candy Crush Saga ($12 billion since 2012) and PUBG Mobile ($11 million since 2018). Currently, Pokemon Go sits at number six at $9.3 billion since its inception in 2016.
If you’re not familiar with Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, you can open two booster packs each day. The card base contains both nostalgic and exclusive card designs. There are other fun features like the Wonder Pick that provides variety to how you collect your cards. Some cards are considered “immersive”, as you can hold and examine the details of each card. This provides a fresh way for collectors to enjoy Pokemon and share their pulls with friends online.
On the other side of the coin, you can also take the cards into battle in a virtual and more streamlined process. I believe this streamlined battling system will draw in more players that were hesitant to play in person. For example, the trading card game requires a 60-card deck, whereas the Pocket has 20-card decks. The app is friendly to those new to the game, or the franchise in generally, and it will walk novices through each and every step.
While I can’t predict the future of Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, I believe the mobile game is definitely set up for success. Not only are they built from one of the most famous franchises of all time, but we also have seen the popularity of Pokemon Go.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket is a space for both collectors and players, and while it may never replace true cards (there’s always the concern of losing your virtual collection if the game’s server ever shuts down), I can easily see Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket growing in popularity in the weeks, months, even years to come.
What are your thoughts on the Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket? Do you think its success will be a blip on the mobile app market or is its rising success here to stay? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord.
Featured Image Source: The Pokemon Company
Sources: Dual Shockers, Game File, The Pokemon Company
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