In a rare and remarkable feat, Pokémon TCG Pocket has been named Apple’s Best iPhone Game of the Year for 2025—just days after Google Play bestowed the same accolade in its annual “Best Of” awards. This dual recognition cements the title as one of the most influential mobile games of the year, bridging two of the world’s largest app ecosystems with unanimous praise.
The timing is particularly striking: Apple’s announcement came on December 8, 2025, following Google Play’s earlier reveal of its winners. The back-to-back honors underscore the game’s cross-platform cultural impact, a rare alignment between two tech giants that often highlight different titles in their respective awards.
Why Pokémon TCG Pocket Stands Out
Developed by The Pokémon Company, Pokémon TCG Pocket reimagines the beloved trading card game for mobile audiences. Its success lies in blending nostalgia with innovation:
- Accessible gameplay that welcomes newcomers while satisfying long-time fans.
- Technical ingenuity, praised by Apple for its seamless design and user experience.
- Cultural resonance, tapping into decades of Pokémon fandom while introducing fresh mechanics for the digital age.
Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasized that this year’s winners were chosen for their “technical ingenuity and lasting cultural impact,” highlighting how Pokémon TCG Pocket enriches lives through creativity and excellence.
Apple’s 2025 App Store Awards: The Full Lineup
While Pokémon TCG Pocket took the spotlight, Apple recognized several other standout titles:
| Platform | Winner | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Game of the Year | Pokémon TCG Pocket | Reinvented trading card gameplay |
| iPad Game of the Year | Dredge | Atmospheric fishing adventure |
| Mac Game of the Year | Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition | Expanded RPG experience |
| Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year | Porta Nubi | Immersive spatial puzzle design |
| Apple Arcade Game of the Year | What The Clash? | Multiplayer chaos-driven fun |
Additionally, Art of Fauna, Despelote, and Chants of Sennaar received Cultural Impact Awards, reflecting Apple’s broader focus on creativity and diversity in gaming.
Google Play’s Parallel Recognition
Google Play’s Best Of 2025 list also featured Pokémon TCG Pocket prominently, alongside titles like Candy Crush Solitaire, Disco Elysium, and Dredge. The overlap between Apple and Google’s selections—particularly the shared recognition of Pokémon TCG Pocket and Dredge—signals a rare consensus in mobile gaming excellence.
The Bigger Picture: A Cross-Ecosystem Triumph
The dual awards highlight several important trends:
- Cross-platform dominance: Games that resonate across ecosystems are increasingly rare, making Pokémon TCG Pocket’s achievement notable.
- Cultural longevity: Pokémon continues to evolve, proving its adaptability in new formats.
- Industry validation: Recognition from both Apple and Google amplifies the game’s credibility, likely boosting downloads and long-term engagement.
Pokémon TCG Pocket’s consecutive wins from Apple and Google mark it as the definitive mobile game of 2025. By capturing the hearts of players across platforms, it demonstrates how a franchise rooted in tradition can thrive through innovation. For fans and industry watchers alike, this dual honor is more than an award—it’s a testament to Pokémon’s enduring power in shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
