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 trading feature following significant player criticism. The controversy centers around the recent January 29, 2025, update which introduced the long-awaited trading functionality.

High Cost of Trade Tokens Fuels Player Discontent

The trading system, while welcomed by players aiming for Pokedex completion, has been met with frustration due to several limitations. These include restricted card selection (limited to 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island packs), the introduction of a new in-game currency (trade tokens), and the exorbitant cost of these tokens.

Acquiring trade tokens requires sacrificing higher-rarity cards, creating a system where players are essentially forced to "burn" valuable cards to facilitate trades. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card demands 500 tokens, while selling even higher-rarity cards yields significantly fewer tokens (100 for 1-Star, 300 for 2-Star and 3-Star).

In response to the negative feedback, DeNA acknowledged the issues and announced plans to introduce alternative methods for obtaining trade tokens, including event distributions. They also clarified that the stringent rules were implemented to deter bot activity and multi-account exploitation, aiming to maintain a fair and enjoyable card collecting experience.

Genetic Apex Booster Pack Accessibility Concerns

Another point of contention involves the release of the Space-Time Smackdown booster packs. Some players reported the disappearance of the Genetic Apex packs from the main screen, leading to concerns about their accessibility. This issue stems from the less-than-obvious location of the "Select other booster packs" option in the bottom right corner.

While this oversight is likely due to poor UI/UX design, some players suspected a deliberate attempt to promote the newer packs. Regardless of intent, the lack of clear visibility for all booster packs has caused confusion. Players are suggesting a homescreen update to display all available packs to prevent future misunderstandings. DeNA has not yet addressed this specific concern.