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… Serta’s core advantage lies in its deep understanding of the sleep domain. On the one hand, its experience gives it a strong foundation. On the other, it exhibits a drive to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation in sleep technology.
Right now, one clear direction has emerged: Using AI to build products that better understand “you.” This addresses a longstanding blind spot in the sleep market. Comfort is a judgment informed by both objective standards and subjective feelings, meaning any assumptions by manufacturers can only set a baseline. To surpass this, smart living must dismantle a shared misconception between companies and consumers: what is familiar is not the same as what is essential.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3037308541088002">article</a> was written by 36Kr.

For Serta, the new era of smart living begins with sleep

China Tech

… https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Google-Learn-About-Slider-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Google-Learn-About-Slider-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Google-Learn-About-Slider.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-150913" class="wp-caption-text">Google’s Learn About provides contextual information for users to delve deeper, enhancing their learning experience.</figcaption></figure>
Martin added that the real challenge lies in creating interfaces that feel both intuitive and novel. Reflecting on NotebookLM, she cites one design choice that initially puzzled users: requiring them to upload source documents. For users accustomed to ChatGPT’s open-ended prompts, this seemingly small step caused hesitation.
Yet, this design choice serves an essential purpose. By rooting creation in source documents, NotebookLM reinforces the reality that most creative work builds upon existing materials—a principle that positions AI notebooks as tools to fulfill a new and superior form of productivity.
Ultimately, the evolution of tools like NotebookLM reflects the trajectory of the internet itself. The “second brain” has evolved—from standalone apps to AI-enhanced tools that integrate, analyze, and expand information seamlessly. Our needs have remained constant, but our expectations for intelligence and ease of use have grown exponentially. AI tools that meet these demands are not only reshaping productivity but also redefining how we create, learn, and engage.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3037397427777540">article</a> was written by Yuan Yingliang for 36Kr.

What NotebookLM’s success says about the future of AI tools

Google

Japan, Korea, and the West

Deep Tech

Artificial intelligence

TikTok wants to become a trusted champion of free speech, CEO Shou Zi Chew said on November 15, as the social media platform faces tightening scrutiny in the US, Canada, and Europe for alleged links to the Chinese government.
"We are doing everything in our power to try to become one of the most trusted companies in the world," Chew said, adding TikTok is willing to "engage with all stakeholders to share information and allay their concerns."
Chew made the remarks during his keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit, a sideline event for business executives at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in the Peruvian capital.
"One of my personal goals as CEO is to ensure TikTok earns trust and has a strong reputation for a positive impact in the world," he said.
He pointed to a new data center in Norway, which "will not only help us secure the private information of our European users, it will also run 100% on renewable energy," adding TikTok has invested USD 1.5 billion on data security in the US and will spend EUR 12 billion (USD 12.6 billion) over the next decade to protect European user data.
With TikTok under the threat of losing access to one of its biggest markets, the US, where it has more than 170 million users, Chew has been on a global tour to win over emerging markets.
The Latin American market has become increasingly important for TikTok, especially after the US passed a law to ban the video sharing app if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, does not sell the company by January 19. US lawmakers from both parties say TikTok poses a national security threat because citizens information could be shared with the Chinese government.
Canada recently ordered TikTok to shut down its offices in the country. The European Union has also launched an official probe into the app this year over protections for minors.
The app now has around 163 million users in LATAM and the number is expected to grow to 173 million next year, according to an estimate by Statista.
The Middle East is another key market for the app. The UAE and Saudi Arabia had the highest TikTok penetration rate as of July, with the number of accounts roughly equal to the number of adults in the two countries, according to data from Statista.
"I think earning trust locally … earning trust generally as an industry is going to be a big challenge for us, all of us," Chew said in a fireside chat at the Future Investment Initiative Institute conference in Riyadh in late October. "Ultimately, it's going to be based on the things that you have done. Did you fundamentally go address people's concerns?"
Meanwhile, <a title="" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/U.S.-elections-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump's return to the White House</a> might give TikTok hope for its future in the US.
The sell-or-ban bill, signed by President Joe Biden in April, gives ByteDance until January 19 to divest from TikTok, a day before Donald Trump's inauguration.
Despite being behind the initial attempt to ban the app in 2020, Trump said during his reelection campaign that he now opposes such a move.
The Justice Department under Trump will be tasked with enforcing the ban, and it could choose to not fine internet providers and app stores for noncompliance, essentially allowing TikTok to continue operating in the country. Such a ban would be <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-Spotlight/TikTok-sell-or-ban-bill-heads-to-Senate-What-s-next">difficult to enforce</a>, as it would require a tremendous amount of resources for the to track down and punish violators.
TikTok has also filed a lawsuit challenging the bill. The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has been <a title="" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/US-China-tensions/TikTok-fights-sell-or-ban-law-in-first-U.S.-court-hearing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reviewing the case</a> but has not issued an injunction to stop the 270-day countdown. A decision is expected in December.
TikTok has argued that the ban violates US constitutional protections on freedom of speech.
The app is "an unparalleled platform for creativity, free speech," the CEO said on November 15. "More than a billion people … trust us to support and protect the freedom of expression."
This article first appeared on <a tabindex="0" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/TikTok-wants-to-become-most-trusted-company-as-U.S.-ban-looms" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="1">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing <a tabindex="0" href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="3">partnership with Nikkei</a>.

TikTok wants to become "most trusted" company as US ban looms

Bytedance

Tiktok

Entertainment

Short Video

Video

Creative

Content

Huawei unveiled its Mate 70 series on November 26, sharpening its rivalry with Apple in China’s premium smartphone market. With prices starting at RMB 5,499 (USD 767), the Mate 70 undercuts the base model of Apple’s iPhone 16, which sells for RMB 5,999 (USD 840), as the two companies vie for dominance in the world’s largest smartphone market.
The Mate 70 follows last year’s Mate 60, which signaled Huawei’s return to high-end smartphones after US sanctions crippled its supply chain.
The device’s key features include a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a variable 1–120Hz refresh rate, 2,500 nits peak brightness, and durable Kunlun glass protection. Its camera system includes a 50-megapixel main sensor with variable aperture and OIS, a 40MP ultrawide lens, and advanced spectral imaging for natural color accuracy. It also offers a 5,300 mAh battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, and includes satellite paging capabilities for communication in remote areas without cellular coverage.
While Huawei did not disclose the chipset used in the Mate 70, previous models in the series were powered by processors from Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), produced using a 6-nanometer process.
The Mate 70 is the first major device to feature HarmonyOS Next, Huawei’s proprietary operating system that no longer relies on Android’s open-source code. Huawei claims the system boosts performance by 40% compared to its predecessor and plans to roll it out across all new smartphones and tablets starting in 2025.
Despite this, Huawei will maintain Android compatibility through HarmonyOS 4.3, suggesting a gradual transition. Richard Yu, head of Huawei’s consumer business group, told <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/huawei-launches-mate-70-smartphone-2024-11-26/">Reuters</a> that Mate 70 users will have the option to choose between HarmonyOS 4.3 and the entirely Android-free HarmonyOS Next 5.0.
HarmonyOS Next represents Huawei’s attempt to build an ecosystem capable of competing with Android and iOS. However, analysts caution that it faces significant challenges. Although the OS currently supports over 15,000 applications, it lags behind its competitors in app availability and developer support, particularly outside China.
Analysts at Canalys project Mate 70 shipments to exceed 10 million units, driven by competitive pricing and advanced features.
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Huawei has experienced a resurgence in China, supported by patriotic sentiment and a focus on domestic innovation. According to an October IDC report, the company shipped over 10 million units in the third quarter, making it the country’s second largest smartphone vendor, behind Vivo and Apple.
Internationally, Huawei’s prospects remain constrained by US sanctions, which continue to limit its access to advanced manufacturing equipment, complicating efforts to scale chip production. The limited app support for HarmonyOS Next further hampers its appeal in global markets, where Android and iOS dominate.
Domestically, Huawei faces the challenge of scaling HarmonyOS Next into a comprehensive ecosystem while maintaining its current momentum.

Huawei’s Mate 70 targets Apple with competitive pricing and new OS

Apple

Huawei

Smartphones

Electrification is sweeping through every corner of the transportation industry, reaching all vehicle types. Once focused on passenger cars, the shift is now accelerating into commercial and heavy-duty transport.
On November 25, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) hosted a product launch for its Tianxing (known internationally as Tectrans) series of batteries, specifically designed for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Four new models were introduced, featuring standout capabilities: 4C ultra-fast charging, a 1,000 kilowatt-hour capacity enabling 800 kilometers of range, a lifespan of 15 years or 3 million kilometers, and durability metrics that are four times the industry standard.
This expansion builds on the Tianxing product line, which debuted in July as CATL’s dedicated commercial vehicle battery brand. The new models target applications such as electric trucks, mining vehicles, dump trucks, and excavators.
At the launch event, Gao Huan, CTO of CATL’s domestic commercial vehicle division, highlighted the technological advancements of the new lineup. All models feature a 1,000V high-voltage architecture, improving charging speeds by 43% and reducing energy loss by 50%.
The economic benefits are claimed to be equally compelling. For instance, a wide-body mining truck operating at the Yulong copper mine with CATL batteries achieved a full week of operation without recharging, lowering operational costs by 30%, according to Gao.
CATL’s journey into heavy-duty vehicle electrification began in 2017, with teams rigorously testing and iterating prototypes across China’s major mining regions and ports. After years of preparation, the results are now visible.
<h3>Four batteries, four use cases</h3>
The four new Tianxing batteries cater to distinct needs:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ultra-fast charging version: Ideal for mining transport and construction vehicles, this model charges to 70% capacity in just 15 minutes with a peak 4C charge rate, boosting vehicle uptime and operational efficiency.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Long-life version: Designed for longevity, this battery delivers 15 years or 3 million kilometers of consistent performance, even under heavy loads and extended hauls, while enhancing the residual value of electric trucks.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Long-range version: Featuring a 1,000 kWh capacity, this model supports an 800-kilometer range, reportedly matching the capacity of 20 passenger EV batteries.</li>
<li aria-level="1">High-durability version: Built on CATL’s proprietary Taishan architecture, this battery improves volumetric efficiency by 40% and achieves IP68 waterproof certification. With a lifespan of 500,000 kilometers—four times the industry average—it has been adopted by manufacturers such as Tongli Heavy Industry and XCMG for over 20 vehicle models.</li>
</ul>
To handle extreme conditions, CATL reinforced the battery enclosure with dual-layer cross beams, a differentiated honeycomb structure, and enhanced internal energy absorption. Additionally, CATL’s advanced liquid cooling system maintains a charging temperature variance within 5 degrees Celsius, ensuring reliability under demanding circumstances.
Cost reduction is the ultimate goal of these technological advancements. In China, electricity costs significantly less than diesel, creating a compelling case for electrification. A heavy-duty truck incurs annual diesel expenses of around RMB 500,000 (USD 70,000), compared to just RMB 200,000 (USD 28,000) for electricity.
CATL’s long-life battery could save operators RMB 1 million (USD 140,000) over eight years for a truck traveling 200,000 kilometers annually. The high-durability version offers even greater savings, extending the typical lifespan of mining trucks from 100,000 kilometers to 500,000 kilometers.
These innovations position CATL to capture a growing heavy-duty electrification market, which is projected to reach hundreds of billions of RMB.
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CATL’s experience in the passenger EV segment laid the groundwork for its commercial vehicle strategy. In China, CATL holds a 50.73% market share in engineering machinery batteries, while globally, its share stands at 30%, making it an industry leader.
The momentum for heavy-duty electrification is undeniable. In 2017, electric heavy trucks in China had a penetration rate of just 0.1%. By the first three quarters of 2024, this figure had surged to 11.2%.
Even with its dominant position, CATL remains proactive. Flagship products like the Qilin and Shenxing batteries accounted for 30–40% of its passenger battery shipments in 2024, with projections of 70–80% by 2025. A similar strategy underpins CATL’s commercial vehicle ambitions.
With the new Tianxing models, CATL now provides a comprehensive range of solutions for commercial vehicles, spanning logistics to public transportation. However, the heavy-duty segment has drawn strong competition from players like BYD, Eve Energy, and CALB. The Tianxing launch, if anything, marks the beginning of an intense battle for dominance in the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3051978598683014">article</a> was written by Han Yongchang for 36Kr.

CATL launches advanced battery lineup to electrify heavy-duty vehicles

CATL

Electric Vehicles

Battery

Mobility

The Chinese version of the Nintendo Switch eShop and other network-related services will begin phasing out on March 31, 2026, according to an announcement released on November 27 by Nintendo. To compensate affected users, a rewards program will be launched, allowing anyone who purchased the official Chinese version of the Switch to claim up to four free games or software titles.
The eShop will cease download, redemption, and other online services at 10:00 p.m. on May 15, 2026, as outlined in the announcement timeline. Nintendo emphasized that the change will not affect the sale or after-sales service of consoles, accessories, and physical game cartridges, nor the use of offline games or local multiplayer features built into specific games.
For many users, the announcement came as a surprise. Coupled with earlier reports about changes in the official service provider for the Switch in China earlier this year, speculation about the console’s future has been circulating for months.
Sources speaking exclusively to 36Kr attributed the operational adjustments to the discontinuation of network services, which encompass essential features like eShop data verification. These services have long been managed by a network service provider that acted as a bridge between Nintendo's global operations and the Switch's China platform. However, recent developments in the provider's business in China have rendered it unable to continue in this role. Without the option to transfer these responsibilities to a new third-party provider, Tencent, which oversees Switch operations in China, had to implement the adjustments.
36Kr reached out to Tencent for comment, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
The China version of the Switch debuted in late 2019, with Tencent revealing in its March 2021 financial report that the console had sold over 1 million units. While official sales figures have not been updated since then, the device has remained a significant part of China's console gaming market in recent years.
According to data from the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA), the console has received 68 game licenses since launch, compared to the 34 and 8 licenses approved for the Chinese versions of Sony's PS4 and PS5 and Microsoft's Xbox platforms, respectively. These figures underscore the proactive efforts of Tencent and Nintendo in this space.
"Although China’s console market is relatively small, it has made notable progress in recent years thanks to various stakeholders," a domestic developer told 36Kr. "The Switch, in particular, is the only console platform to surpass 1 million sales officially. It's regrettable that this change is happening now, especially as the market has shown signs of recovery."
Despite the service discontinuation, the majority of Switch games are offline or support local multiplayer modes, minimizing the impact on many players' experiences. Additionally, the compensation program offering up to four free games or software titles—estimated to be worth over RMB 1,000 (USD 140)—is expected to soften the blow for affected users.
As the Switch approaches the end of its lifecycle, Nintendo has confirmed plans to unveil its successor by the end of the 2024 fiscal year, around March 31, 2025. This transition may partially explain the adjustments to the current platform.
"Nintendo has high standards for developers and service providers. If rumors are accurate, finding a third-party provider that meets its criteria would require significant resources," the source said. "But with the Switch no longer being the company's primary focus, it's understandable that priorities are shifting."
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3052863876403329">article</a> was written by Liu Shiwu for 36Kr.

Nintendo to end online services for Chinese Switch users by 2026

Gaming

On November 21, Tencent unveiled advanced search capabilities in its Sogou Input Method, a widely used tool for Chinese character input, now powered by its Hunyuan artificial intelligence model.
Designed for use across learning, work, and social scenarios, Sogou Input Method enables users to search while composing messages or writing text. By integrating intelligent search within the input box, Sogou Input Method delivers reference information and answers efficiently—at no cost to users.
In its latest update, the input box now functions as a search bar. This AI-driven feature, available on both PC and mobile platforms, allows users to input queries naturally as they type. The tool simplifies tasks such as drafting text, reading articles, or navigating web content, while also offering instant access to general knowledge.
For everyday queries like checking the weather, a quick search feature, also driven by AI, enhances convenience. Users can type directly into the chatbox, selecting suggested keywords to receive immediate results. This feature covers over 40 common scenarios, including mortgage calculations, retirement age predictions, holiday schedules, city-specific data, translations, and even classical poetry searches, bringing real-time conversational search to users' fingertips.
“Sogou Input Method serves over 600 million daily active users, with average usage exceeding 30 minutes per day across nearly all terminal platforms,” said Chai Baoquan, product manager of Sogou Input Method, in an interview with 36Kr. “Through iterative updates, we aim to bring the power of large AI models to a broader audience.”
The product launch event also featured Zhang Feng, Tencent’s head of Hunyuan applications, who outlined the technical strategy behind the integration. According to Zhang, Hunyuan’s development follows two paths: breadth and depth. The breadth strategy involves expanding from language models to multimodal understanding and generation, enabling richer interactions with the physical world. Depth focuses on pushing the model’s intelligence to tackle complex tasks, aiming for artificial general intelligence (AGI).
“Hunyuan has been integrated into more than 700 applications, supporting both efficiency enhancement and product innovation. The AI search feature in Sogou Input Method exemplifies product innovation by offering faster, more streamlined user experiences,” Zhang said.
Zhang also previewed Tencent’s future roadmap, highlighting a new version of Hunyuan, with approximately half the parameters of the current model, which will offer equivalent performance while doubling generation speed.
Additionally, Tencent plans to open-source more model variants, ensuring progress in AI accessibility.
Upcoming features also include an AI assistant for voice calls and tools for generating presentation slides. Zhang said that Tencent’s AI-generated slide decks will prioritize accuracy, requiring minimal user intervention to produce professional-grade output.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3047313809656707">article</a> was written by Wang Fangyu for 36Kr.

Tencent enhances Sogou Input Method with AI search capabilities

Tencent

Artificial Inteligence

<h3>Pi-xcels raises USD 2.7 million to expand NFC e-receipt technology</h3>
<a href="https://www.pi-xcels.com/">Pi-xcels</a>, a Singapore-based retail tech startup, has raised USD 2.7 million in its second funding round, led by venture capital firm Headline.
Other participants include Wavemaker Partners, Hustle Fund, Shizen Capital, and Seedstars International Ventures. This latest funding brings Pi-xcels’ total capital raised to USD 4.4 million.
The company plans to use the funds to accelerate its global expansion, focusing on Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the US.
<figure id="attachment_145654" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-145654" style="width: 720px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-145654" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Daniel-Lim-CEO-Landscape-1024x543.png" alt="Photo of Daniel Lim, founder and CEO of Pi-xcels." width="720" height="382" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Daniel-Lim-CEO-Landscape-1024x543.png 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Daniel-Lim-CEO-Landscape-300x159.png 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Daniel-Lim-CEO-Landscape-768x407.png 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Daniel-Lim-CEO-Landscape.png 1508w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-145654" class="wp-caption-text">Daniel Lim, founder and CEO of Pi-xcels, <a href="https://kr-asia.com/pi-xcels-is-transforming-the-retail-experience-with-interactive-e-receipts">shared insights</a> with KrASIA in October 2023 about the company’s mission to enhance the retail payment experience through its solution. Photo of Daniel Lim. Photo and header photo courtesy of Pi-xcels.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Vynn Capital leads seed investment in MediSun Energy</h3>
<a href="https://www.medisun.energy/">MediSun Energy</a>, a pioneer in osmotic energy technology, has raised USD 8.75 million in its seed funding round, which includes USD 5 million in venture debt and USD 3.75 million in equity financing. The round was led by Vynn Capital, valuing MediSun at USD 44 million.
Key investors include MOAJ Holding, Frank Phuan, TNB Aura’s Scout Initiative, and Ciri Ventures. In addition, MOAJ Holding has committed USD 30 million to support MediSun’s Saudi Arabian operations.
The funding will be used to expand MediSun’s presence in the MENA region and enhance its R&amp;D by establishing membrane and stack production facilities.
<h3>Toku raises USD 5 million in Series A extension</h3>
<a href="https://toku.co/">Toku</a>, a Singapore-based enterprise cloud communications provider, has raised USD 5 million in a Series A extension led by Betatron Venture Group, bringing its total funding to USD 18 million. Participants include the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Venture Fund (ITVF) and other investors.
The funds will support Toku’s international expansion, targeting markets in South America and Europe, while also advancing its AI-powered chat and voice agent solutions. Additionally, Toku has established an advisory board, appointing former Singapore minister Lim Hwee Hua as chair.
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<h3>Gobi Partners and Cross Capital join forces to bridge Japanese investments into Southeast Asia</h3>
Venture capital firm Gobi Partners has partnered with Japan-based Cross Capital to foster cross-border innovation. Cross Capital, renowned for its flagship fund of funds connecting Japanese corporations with startups, will leverage Gobi’s regional expertise to drive collaborations between Northeast Asia and ASEAN.
This partnership aims to empower entrepreneurs and investors by supporting startup localization, market entry, and scaling efforts.
<h3>All Things Baby raises INR 300 million in Series A round</h3>
All Things Baby (ATB), an Indian platform that curates mother and baby products, has secured INR 300 million (USD 3.6 million) in its Series A funding round. The funding was co-led by Richa Choksi and Inoventures, the family office of Manish Choksi.
The funds will be used to expand ATB’s product offerings, enhance its distribution network, and launch experiential retail stores in India’s metro cities.
<h3>17Live acquires Mikai to strengthen virtual IP business</h3>
17Live Group, a live streaming platform listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), has acquired Mikai, a leading Japanese “vtuber” agency, to bolster its virtual IP portfolio.
whereRelatedArticle
<h3>Podium, Gyges Labs, xAI, and more made recent headlines:</h3>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://podium.io/">Podium</a>, a Singapore-based platform for industrialized construction, netted SGD 20.4 million (USD 15.1 million) in a Series A1 funding round led by Autodesk, with contributions from Schindler and Lendlease.</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.gygeslabs.com/index.php/en/">Gyges Labs</a>, a wearable technology startup, completed a pre-Series A funding round led by GSR Ventures, netting an eight-figure RMB sum. The round also included participation from Hao Chen, founder of Shokz, and NYX Ventures.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Elon Musk’s xAI reportedly raised USD 5 billion in a funding round, The round, valuing xAI at USD 50 billion, attracted investments from the Qatar Investment Authority, Valor Equity Partners, Sequoia Capital, and Andreessen Horowitz.</li>
</ul>
If there are any news or updates you'd like us to feature, get in touch with us at: <a href="mailto:hello@kr-asia.com">hello@kr-asia.com</a>.
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Deals in brief: Pi-xcels raises USD 2.7 million, Vynn Capital backs MediSun Energy, Gobi Partners teams up with Cross Capital, and more

Gobi Partners

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

Singapore

India

Launched globally at the end of October on the iOS and Android app stores, Nintendo’s latest mobile game title, Pokemon TCG Pocket, has drawn significant attention since its release, with <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-25/nintendo-s-new-pokemon-game-has-stronger-debut-than-pokemon-go">Bloomberg</a> citing Apptopia data that estimates USD 101 million in revenue and over 38 million downloads in the first 25 days post-launch.
<div class="embed-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2rNXBt4go_g?si=3MRfb0W0u7SShALY?autoplay=0&amp;mute=1&amp;origin=https://OurWebsiteDomain" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> height="278" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-ytbridge="vidSurrogate2"></iframe></div>
<a href="https://sensortower.com/blog/top-worldwide-mobile-games-by-revenue-and-downloads-october-2024">Sensor Tower</a> ranked the game the tenth highest global revenue generator for October, estimating 8.8 million downloads and USD 42 million revenue for that month alone, despite its late-October debut. Furthermore, <a href="https://appmagic.rocks/iphone/pokemon-tcg-pocket/6479970832">AppMagic</a> data highlights Japan (42%) and the US (28%) as the top contributors to the game’s revenue. Both countries, alongside Brazil, are also the top three leading markets in terms of downloads.
Pokemon TCG Pocket operates on a freemium model, offering free gameplay while generating income through an optional USD 10 monthly subscription. Players can also purchase in-game currency to unlock virtual items such as card packs and accessories. While this model often attracts a broad user base during the early stages of a game’s lifecycle, sustaining revenue and engagement over time can be challenging. For example, revenue from Pokemon Go has steadily declined since peaking in 2020, according to <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/882474/pokemon-go-all-time-player-spending/">Statista</a>, potentially explaining Nintendo’s decision to diversify its portfolio with new titles.
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Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter told Bloomberg that the Pokemon TCG Pocket is projected to generate up to USD 250 million annually in profits for Nintendo, which reportedly receives 32% of the game’s profit. Pachter added that this analysis indicates Pokemon TCG Pocket’s long-term potential may fall short of the success achieved by its augmented reality predecessor, Pokemon Go, co-developed by Nintendo and Niantic.
Nonetheless, the new game represents Nintendo’s effort to adapt the mechanics of its classic trading card game for a digital, mobile-first audience, targeting both longtime fans and new players. Its launch mirrors a broader trend of digitalizing collectible card games, alongside established titles like Yu-gi-oh and Magic: The Gathering. It also faces competition from lore-driven mobile apps such as Hearthstone, Activision Blizzard’s 2014 Warcraft spinoff.
<figure id="attachment_150874" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-150874" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-150874" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pokemon-Cards-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pokemon-Cards-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pokemon-Cards-300x200.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pokemon-Cards-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pokemon-Cards-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pokemon-Cards.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-150874" class="wp-caption-text">Pokemon TCG Pocket brings the classic Pokemon trading card game to life in a digital format.</figcaption></figure>
Pokemon TCG Pocket is developed by Nintendo in collaboration with DeNA and Creatures Inc. Both firms are affiliated with Nintendo. Nintendo holds a stake in DeNA and shares ownership of the Pokemon franchise with Creatures Inc. The game is available in nine languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Chinese (Simplified).

Pokemon TCG Pocket starts strong, but can Nintendo keep the cards in play?