Mahjong Soul is the leading ACG-themed Japanese Mahjong platform, successfully merging traditional Riichi gameplay with high-end anime character collection and progression. Developed by Yostar, it maintains a dominant market position through superior production values and a best-in-class tutorial system that effectively onboards beginners. The app operates as a live-service title, monetizing through a Gacha-style model for characters and cosmetics while maintaining a highly active competitive community.
Product velocity
Unknown
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#194
Games · free
Sentiment
4.7
38k reviews
Nemesis
The Mahjong App
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Fans of Japanese Mahjong and anime culture who enjoy character-driven progression and social, competitive gaming.
What does it look like?
Key features
Playable anime-style characters with full voice acting by famous Japanese voice actors.
Deep character development systems that go beyond standard gameplay.
Organized competitive events and tournaments for players to test their skills.
Allows players to practice and play Mahjong with friends.
Extensive item lineup for customization and expressive character emojis.
Guided learning system to help beginners grasp the rules of Japanese Mahjong.
How much does it cost?
Standard Gacha-style monetization. Core gameplay is free, but character acquisition and high-tier cosmetics are gated behind premium currency, creating a high-LTV ceiling from 'whales' while maintaining a large F2P player base for liquidity.
Velocity
Who built it?
YOSTAR
6 apps tracked · Games
Arknights
Azur Lane
Stella Sora
Heaven Burns Red
AzurLane StickerUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Users report: Review voice lately leans excited. Users appreciate educational value and gameplay quality, but report perceived rigging/unfairness.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Educational Value
- Gameplay Quality
Unlock 1 more frustration theme, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Mahjong Soul
How's the Games market?
The rivals identified
By Windy City Games
The Mahjong App competes for the same casual strategy gaming audience by providing digital practice for American Mahjong, while Mahjong Soul focuses on Japanese Riichi rules.
- Supports official NMJL card play for American Mahjong rules, which Mahjong Soul lacks.
- Provides AI-driven practice modes for solo play, while Mahjong Soul prioritizes live competitive matchmaking.
Riichi MahjongContender
Kemono MahjongContender
Maylee: American MahjongContender
Mahjong Friends OnlineContender
MahJongo: Mahjong OnlineContenderUnlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Mahjong Soul
Where is it heading?
- Active seasonal event cycle (Onsen Riddle, Mar 2026) indicates strong live-ops investment.
- Technical friction on Android 16 and login errors suggest growing technical debt.
- Users report: User mood is 'Excited' regarding core gameplay but 'Frustrated' by perceived RNG rigging.
The SWOT
- Superior production values in character art and voice acting
- Best-in-class onboarding tutorial for new players
- Massive active player base ensuring low matchmaking wait times
- Integration with professional Mahjong leagues to rival Sega NET Mahjong MJ
- More accessible event reward structures to counter Riichi City's growth
Next best moves
Resolve Android 16 launch and login verification errors
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Professional league tie-ins (available in Sega NET Mahjong MJ) +2
Since the last report: The platform is maintaining its market dominance but faces increased pressure from technical instability and community skepticism regarding RNG fairness.
Bottom line
Users report: Mahjong Soul is the dominant incumbent in the ACG-Mahjong space, but it is beginning to show signs of technical debt and brand friction. To maintain its lead against agile rivals like Riichi City, the PM must prioritize OS-level stability and address the 'rigged RNG' narrative through transparency rather than just content updates.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
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