Pokémon TCG Pocket Gets Trading Today and Players Absolutely Hate It

Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has arrived, but instead of celebration, it's met with widespread player outrage. The trading system, already criticized last week for its restrictions, has launched to an even worse reception due to unexpectedly high requirements.

The trading process necessitates two consumable items: Trade Stamina and Trade Tokens. Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money), is relatively unsurprising. However, the Trade Token system is the source of significant player frustration.

Trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher demands Trade Tokens. The cost is steep: 120 tokens for a 3 Diamond card, 400 for a 1 Star card, and a hefty 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 sacrifice of multiple high-rarity cards to obtain enough tokens for a single trade. For example, five ex Pokémon must be deleted to trade one, and selling a Crown rarity card—the game's rarest—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 provide enough tokens to trade either a 1 Star or 4 Diamond card.

Overwhelming Negative Feedback

Reddit threads are flooded with negative comments, labeling the update a "monumental failure," "hilariously toxic," and an "insult." Players express frustration at the excessive costs and laborious process, with many vowing to cease spending on the game. The 15-second exchange time for tokens further exacerbates the issue, turning a simple trade into a time-consuming chore. Many believe the system actively discourages trading.

Concerns about Monetization

Players strongly suspect the trading system's design is primarily aimed at boosting revenue. The inability to easily trade high-rarity cards forces players to purchase packs repeatedly, increasing spending. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.

Reddit users describe the system as "predatory" and "greedy," highlighting the lack of alternative ways to obtain Trade Tokens. 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 a response is pending. While adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards could potentially mitigate the issue, it's more likely that Trade Stamina will be offered as rewards instead.

The poorly received trading update casts a shadow over the upcoming release of the Diamond and Pearl update, introducing Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia. The current situation raises serious questions about the game's future and its developers' responsiveness to player feedback.