Pokemon TCG Pocket's Trading Feature Faces Backlash, Prompts Developer Response
DeNA, the developer of Pokemon TCG Pocket, has pledged improvements to the game's recently implemented trading feature following significant player criticism. The controversy centers around the perceived high cost and restrictive nature of the trading system.
High Cost of Trade Tokens Fuels Player Frustration
Introduced on January 29th, 2025, the trading feature allows exchanges of 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. While welcomed by players aiming for Pokedex completion, the limitations – specifically the restricted card selection, the introduction of a new in-game currency (trade tokens), and the exorbitant cost of trading – have sparked widespread discontent. Acquiring sufficient tokens requires sacrificing higher-rarity cards, creating an inefficient and frustrating loop. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card demands 500 tokens, while only 100 are gained from selling a 1-Star card.
DeNA acknowledged the negative feedback, stating they are actively investigating solutions. They plan to introduce alternative methods of obtaining trade tokens, including event distributions. Currently, only 1-Star cards are tradeable.
The developer justified the stringent rules as a measure against bot abuse and multi-account exploitation, aiming to maintain a fair and enjoyable card-collecting experience.
Genetic Apex Booster Pack Availability Confusion
Following the January 29th release of Space-Time Smackdown booster packs, some players reported the disappearance of Genetic Apex packs from the main screen. This concern, voiced on Reddit, stemmed from the prominent display of only Mythical Island and Space-Time Smackdown packs. However, Genetic Apex packs remain accessible via a less noticeable "Select other booster packs" option in the bottom right corner.
While this oversight can be attributed to poor UI/UX design, some players suspected a deliberate attempt to promote the newer packs. Suggestions for improving the homescreen to display all three booster pack sets have been made to prevent future confusion. DeNA has not yet addressed this issue.
