DeNA Slows Pokémon TCG Pocket Release Cadence to Six Weeks, but Skips Universal Pack Points

Key points

• Booster pack releases will shift from a four-week cycle to a six-week cycle starting with the C series.
• Immersive Cards can now be earned through collection missions, rather than relying solely on 1% pull rates.
• New 'Special Packs' will use a weekly stamina system, starting with a set featuring all 27 starter Pokémon.
• Community Decks will allow players to view popular meta decks in-game, and rental decks will no longer have usage limits.
• Trading updates will reveal missing cards and complete wishlists, preventing wasted trade attempts.

Background

Pokémon TCG Pocket launched in October 2024 and has faced criticism for its rapid release schedule and technical performance. Recent months saw the release of the 'Deluxe Pack: Mega' set, which included 429 cards and guaranteed high-rarity pulls, though it faced mixed fan reactions regarding card selection. The game has also lost nearly half its player base since launch, partly due to unresolved performance issues on Android and iOS devices.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku highlights the positive changes, such as the slowed release cadence and improved trading features, but criticizes the lack of performance improvements and the absence of universal pack points. OpenCritic agrees that the changes are positive but emphasizes that the update fails to address the most requested feature, universal pack points, which would allow pack points to be shared across all sets. Both sources note that the game has not addressed the 10 major issues listed two years ago, including the app's sluggishness.

Why it matters

The changes aim to reduce player fatigue and improve the collecting experience by slowing the release cadence and providing more accessible ways to obtain rare cards. However, the lack of universal pack points and performance improvements may continue to frustrate players and affect the game's long-term viability.

What to watch

Players should expect the new six-week release cycle to begin with the C series. The first Special Pack, 'First Partners,' will feature all 27 starter Pokémon. Community Decks and improved trading features will also be rolled out in the coming weeks. The game's performance issues remain unresolved, and it is unclear if DeNA will address them in future updates.