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 more negative reception due to its unexpectedly burdensome requirements.

The core issue lies in the dual-item system needed for every trade. First, players require Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money). Secondly, and more controversially, Trade Tokens are necessary for trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher. The token costs are steep: 120 for a 3-Diamond card, 400 for a 1-Star card, and 500 for a 4-Diamond (ex Pokémon) card.

Trade Tokens are only obtainable by discarding cards from one's collection. The exchange rates are heavily unfavorable, requiring the sacrifice of multiple high-rarity cards to trade a single one of equal or lesser value. For example, five ex Pokémon must be deleted 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 provide enough tokens to trade a 1-Star or 4-Diamond card.

Player reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with many labeling the system a "monumental failure," "hilariously toxic," and "predatory." Reddit threads are flooded with complaints about the excessive costs and time-consuming process, with players vowing to cease spending on the game. Some even suggest renaming the game, given the impracticality of the trading mechanic. The 15-second exchange time for tokens further exacerbates the frustration, turning a simple trade into a lengthy, multi-step process.

The perceived greed behind the system is a major point of contention. Given the game's estimated $200 million revenue in its first month (before trading), players believe the system is designed primarily to maximize profits. The inability to easily trade high-rarity cards further fuels this suspicion, as it forces players to continue purchasing packs for a chance at obtaining desired cards.

Creatures Inc. remains silent on the backlash, despite previously acknowledging player concerns. IGN has reached out for comment, but no response has been received. While adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards could mitigate the issue, it's more likely that Trade Stamina will be included in future rewards, similar to existing stamina and pack rewards. The launch of this poorly-received trading system casts a shadow over the upcoming Diamond and Pearl update, introducing Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia.