Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has arrived, but instead of celebration, it's met with widespread player outrage. The trading system, criticized last week for its restrictions, has launched to an even more negative reception due to unexpectedly high requirements.
Social media is flooded with complaints about the excessive demands and limitations. While the restrictions were previously disclosed, the sheer number of items needed for each trade was obscured by the vague statement, "items must be consumed in order to trade."
Unlike Wonder Pick or pack openings, trading necessitates two distinct consumable items. First is Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money).
Found a picture of the devs after the trade update!
byu/marcola42 inPTCGP
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The Trade Token Controversy
The real source of contention is Trade Tokens, mandatory for trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher. Trading costs are 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 acquired solely by discarding cards. The exchange rates are unfavorable: a 3-Diamond card yields 25 tokens, a 1-Star card 100, a 4-Diamond card 125, a 2-Star card 300, a 3-Star immersive card 300, and a Crown gold card 1500. Lower rarity cards are worthless for trading purposes.
This system forces players into an inefficient loop: for example, five ex Pokémon must be sacrificed to trade a single ex Pokémon. Selling a Crown card, the rarest and often hard-earned item, only provides enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades. Even selling a 3-Star immersive card, a key selling point of the game, doesn't provide enough tokens for a 1-Star or 4-Diamond trade.
A System Deemed "Monumental Failure"
Reddit posts echo the widespread dissatisfaction. One post with over 1,000 upvotes calls the update "an insult," with players vowing to stop spending money. Comments describe the system as "hilariously toxic," a "monumental failure," and lament the loss of a "safe way for the community to connect." The 15-second exchange time for tokens further exacerbates the tedious process.
what a joke of a trading system
byu/ZenGraphics_ inPTCGP
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A Revenue-Generating Scheme?
Many believe the trading system is designed to boost revenue. Pokémon TCG Pocket reportedly generated $200 million in its first month, before trading was implemented. The inability to trade higher-rarity cards suggests a deliberate strategy to encourage continued spending on packs. One player reported spending $1,500 to complete the first set.
Reddit comments describe the system as "predatory and downright greedy," highlighting the lack of alternative ways to obtain Trade Tokens. The requirement of three copies of a card to discard it adds another layer of frustration.
Finally Trade is here.... wait What?
byu/Tidus1117 inPTCGP
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Creatures Inc.'s Silence
Creatures Inc. remains silent on the backlash, a departure from their previous response to initial concerns. While they previously stated, "Your concerns are seen," their inaction following the update's disastrous launch speaks volumes. IGN has reached out for comment.
Potential solutions include adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards, though Trade Stamina is more likely to be rewarded given previous reward patterns. The negative reception casts a shadow over the upcoming Diamond and Pearl update, introducing Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia.
