Pokemon TCG Pocket will slow pack releases starting with the C Series

Released in 2024 as a mobile version of the Pokemon card game, Pokemon TCG Pocket became a more affordable way to collect, trade, and battle without buying physical packs or hunting down new sets in stores. Even so, the app has run into problems after its strong launch. In August 2026, co-developer DeNA directly tied a revenue drop to the game. Over the same period, its monthly player count reportedly fell 41% in a year, dropping from 39 million to 23 million.

We'd like to share a letter from the Pokémon TCG Pocket Operations Team detailing our development plans and planned updates coming to #PokemonTCGPocket with the new series. Thank you for being a part of the community and for your continued support of the game. https://t.co/OCxSqeYMT7

— Pokémon TCG Pocket (@PokemonTCGP) October 16, 2026

Longer gaps between pack releases

To address retention issues, DeNA has outlined a broader set of changes. In a post on Twitter, the company confirmed that the release pace for new packs will slow down. Right now, fresh packs arrive about every four weeks. According to the developers, that cadence has left some players frustrated because it is harder to finish sets before the next wave arrives. Starting with the C Series, the gap will increase to six weeks.

Immersive cards, missions, and First Partners

Another major update involves immersive cards, which have been some of the most wanted collectibles in the game since launch. Until now, the only way to obtain them was by opening packs. That will no longer be the case. Immersive cards will also appear as mission rewards tied to completing specific collections. Event missions will also be used to hand out new 1-Star promo cards, with those missions arriving weekly across a three-week span.

A Special Pack called First Partners is also on the way. It will highlight the starter Pokemon from each of the nine main-series regions. These Special Packs will use their own separate stamina system, refreshed every week.

Battle features and trading are changing too

Battle updates are part of the same push. Community Decks are being added so players can browse popular builds as well as lists used by friends, then recreate those ideas with their own cards more easily. Rental decks are also getting expanded support: they will be playable as soon as new packs launch, there will be no limit on how often they can be used, and players will even be able to bring them into versus battles.

Battle events will begin with the C Series and will restrict which cards are eligible. Trading is also being reworked to make the process easier.

The first expansion under this updated plan is expected to be C1 on October 30, so players will not have to wait long to see how these adjustments land. Even with a steep loss in players, Pokemon TCG Pocket still has a larger audience than many other mobile games. It does not look to be in immediate danger of shutting down, but the developers clearly want to steady the game and keep players invested for the long haul.