Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Looking to Improve Trading Following Major Player Backlash

Pokémon TCG Pocket's trading feature, launched last week, has faced significant player backlash, prompting developer Creatures Inc. to address concerns. A statement on X/Twitter acknowledged the negative feedback, explaining the initial restrictive design aimed at preventing bot abuse and maintaining a fair environment. However, Creatures Inc. admitted that these restrictions inadvertently hinder casual enjoyment.

The company pledged to improve the trading system by offering Trade Tokens—currently a major point of contention due to their high acquisition cost—as rewards in future events. This promise, however, has already been broken; the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event notably lacks Trade Tokens.

The trading system's design, coupled with existing in-app purchase mechanics limiting pack openings and Wonder Picking, has drawn heavy criticism. Players must delete five cards of equal rarity to obtain one Trade Token, a process deemed excessively costly and frustrating.

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Creatures Inc.'s statement, while acknowledging player concerns, remains vague regarding specific changes and timelines. The lack of clarity leaves players uncertain about potential refunds or compensation for trades made under the current, heavily criticized system. The limited availability of Trade Tokens (200 offered as a premium Battle Pass reward) further fuels accusations of prioritizing revenue generation. The omission of Trade Tokens from the Cresselia ex event directly contradicts the company's recent promise.

The inability to trade cards of 2-star rarity or higher also points to a revenue-driven design, as readily accessible trading would diminish the need for players to spend significant sums on random card packs to complete sets. Anecdotal evidence suggests completing a single set can cost upwards of $1500, highlighting the potentially exploitative nature of the system. Player reactions range from describing the mechanic as "predatory and downright greedy" to "a monumental failure."