Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has launched to overwhelmingly negative feedback, exceeding even the initial concerns expressed last week. Players are flooding social media with complaints about the system's excessive requirements and restrictive nature. While the restrictions were previously disclosed, the sheer number of resources needed for each trade came as a surprise.
Unlike other mechanics like Wonder Pick or pack openings, trading demands two distinct consumable items: Trade Stamina and Trade Tokens. Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money), is one requirement.
The other, and the source of much outrage, is Trade Tokens. These are necessary for trading any card with a rarity of 3 Diamonds or higher. The cost is steep: 120 tokens for a 3-Diamond card, 400 for a 1-Star card, and 500 for a 4-Diamond (ex Pokémon) card.
Trade Tokens are earned by discarding cards from a player's collection. The exchange rate is unfavorable, requiring the sale of multiple high-rarity cards to obtain enough tokens for a single trade. For example, five ex Pokémon must be sold to trade one, and selling a Crown rarity card (the rarest in the game) only yields enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades. Selling a 3-Star immersive art card—a key selling point of the game—doesn't even provide enough tokens to trade a single 1-Star or 4-Diamond card.
Overwhelming Negative Reception
Reddit posts are filled with scathing criticism. Players describe the update as "an insult," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure," with many vowing to cease spending on the game. The high cost and laborious process of trading—exchanging cards for tokens takes approximately 15 seconds per card—are major points of contention. Some players even suggest renaming the app, given the difficulty of trading.
Profit Motive Suspected
Many believe the trading system is designed to maximize revenue. The game reportedly generated $200 million in its first month, and the inability to easily trade high-rarity cards encourages players to purchase more packs for a chance at obtaining them. One player reported spending $1,500 to complete the first set.
The lack of alternative ways to obtain Trade Tokens further fuels the criticism. Players can only get them by selling cards, and even then, the conversion rates are extremely poor. The requirement of three copies of a card to sell it adds another layer of frustration.
Creatures Inc.'s Silence
Creatures Inc. remains silent on the player backlash, despite previously acknowledging concerns. IGN has reached out for comment, but no response has been received. While adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards could alleviate some issues, it's more likely that Trade Stamina will be included as a reward, given the pattern of similar rewards in the past.
The launch of this poorly-received trading mechanic casts a shadow on the upcoming Diamond and Pearl update, introducing Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia. The negative reception raises serious questions about the game's future and its developers' responsiveness to player feedback.
