The first-ever mobile game for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (PTCGP), launched in late 2024, quickly captivated players worldwide and has now celebrated its one-year anniversary.
Japanese market research firm Sensor Tower has just released its latest data, revealing that in just over a year, this title hasn't just seen an explosion in downloads—its money-making prowess has been nothing short of staggering. Japan, in particular, has firmly held its position as the top revenue contributor globally, showcasing the undeniable allure of the Pokémon IP.
According to Sensor Tower’s official blog, "Pokémon TCG Pocket" has amassed over 90 million cumulative downloads worldwide since its launch, with total revenue exceeding $1.2 billion (approximately ¥189.5 billion). This makes it a rare global success story in the mobile gaming market in recent years.
Breaking down the market distribution, while Japan ranked third globally in downloads (accounting for roughly 10%), trailing behind the US at approximately 20%, it absolutely dominated in revenue share, leading the world with a whopping 37%. This is a full 10 percentage points higher than the second-place US (27%).
This data clearly indicates that Japanese players boast an exceptionally high average revenue per download, making them the primary driver behind "Pokémon TCG Pocket"'s global revenue. It seems the biggest spenders are still in Japan.
Regarding download sources, the Japanese market also exhibits unique characteristics compared to other countries. Sensor Tower data shows that from late October 2024 to late October 2025, over half of Japan's downloads came from "organic search"—meaning they were not driven by advertising.
Among major markets, Japan was the only one where organic search accounted for over 50% of downloads. This signifies that a large number of players actively sought out and downloaded the game, demonstrating higher engagement and enthusiasm, and representing the most cost-effective user base.
In terms of monthly active users (MAU), the US takes the top spot, with Japan closely following in second. Observing monthly trends, the US and Japan show nearly identical patterns, with significant peaks coinciding with the release of new themed expansion packs and events.
For instance, the "Vibrant Radiance" expansion in March 2025 and the "Dimensional Crisis" pack in May successfully spurred a wave of returning players.
Looking at user age distribution, the gender ratio is largely consistent across countries, with approximately 70% male and 30% female. However, in Japan, the age demographics are notably more balanced and span a wider range of generations. Specifically, the 35-44 age group, representing the "first generation of Pokémon" fans, accounts for roughly double the proportion seen in other countries. The 45-54 age group also shows a remarkably high percentage, indicating that players who grew up with the Game Boy era are still willing to invest in this IP.
Furthermore, an analysis of player interests reveals that users across all countries often share traits of "core gamers," "PC gamers," and "console gamers." This proves that "Pokémon TCG Pocket" isn't just a nostalgia trip; its inherent gameplay has also successfully earned player recognition.
Of course, whether "Pokémon TCG Pocket" can maintain its momentum remains to be seen. After its first year, the official team continues to release new card packs and gameplay modes, which will be key areas to watch. However, the data from its inaugural year clearly shows that this game is, for now, an absolute cash cow.
Note: Financial figures and earnings forecasts should be confirmed through the company’s official announcements.
via： Sensor Tower