Pokémon Card Game Pocket, launched on October 30, has achieved a milestone of 40 million global downloads within just 50 days. This makes it the second-fastest-growing mobile game based on the Pokémon IP.

The United States accounted for the largest share of downloads at 17.9%, followed by Brazil (10.2%), France (8.9%), and Japan (7.2%). In Asia, South Korea represented the second-largest share after Japan, contributing 3% to the total downloads. The game quickly gained traction in the South Korean market, topping mobile game download charts upon release.

In terms of revenue, Pokémon Card Game Pocket has generated approximately $300 million globally during the same period. Japan led the revenue distribution with a dominant 41.5%, showcasing the strength of the IP in its home country. The United States (21.7%), France (7.3%), Taiwan (4.1%), Germany (3.4%), and South Korea (3.2%) followed. In South Korea, the game ranked 11th in mobile game revenue.

As the second-fastest-growing game under the Pokémon IP, Pokémon Card Game Pocket has demonstrated remarkable momentum across multiple metrics, including downloads, revenue, and active users. In South Korea’s 2024 mobile gaming market, it was the most downloaded Pokémon IP-based game. While Pokémon GO maintained its position as the top earner and most-played game, Pokémon Card Game Pocket secured the second spot in both categories.

One notable metric is revenue per download (RPD), where Pokémon Card Game Pocket outperformed Pokémon GO. The RPD for the new card game reached $7, surpassing Pokémon GO’s $6, indicating a highly effective monetization strategy that yields significant revenue per player.

A substantial portion of Pokémon Card Game Pocket’s downloads—84%—came from organic channels. The game benefited from prominent visibility in app stores, being featured as a “New Recommended Game” and “Trending” on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Early exposure through hero banners in app stores played a crucial role in its rapid adoption.

According to Sensor Tower’s audience insights, the game has a particularly strong appeal among younger players, with 18–24-year-olds making up 34.5% of the player base and 25–34-year-olds accounting for 48%. Compared to other Pokémon mobile games, Pokémon Card Game Pocket has notably higher engagement from the 18–24 demographic, reflecting the enduring nostalgia associated with the franchise.

Nostalgia remains a key driver behind the game’s popularity. High-rated reviews frequently mention “nostalgia,” with users expressing deep emotional connections to the franchise. Comments like “Bringing a part of my childhood to mobile is incredible” exemplify the strong bond players feel toward the game.

The game’s simplified mechanics, which lower entry barriers for newcomers, have also contributed to its success. Features such as daily free booster packs and robust community options for sharing card collections and trading with friends have further boosted its appeal. By balancing nostalgic appeal with accessible gameplay, rich rewards, and engaging social features, Pokémon Card Game Pocket has successfully attracted both longtime fans and younger audiences.

Sayart / Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com