Pokemon TCG Pocket Backlash Prompts Trading Feature Improvements

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 recently implemented trading feature following significant player criticism. The controversy centers around the perceived high cost and restrictive nature of the trading system.

High Cost of Trade Tokens Sparks Outrage

Introduced on January 29th, 2025, the trading feature allows exchanges of 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star rarity cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. While beneficial for Pokedex completion, the limitations – specifically the restricted card selection, the introduction of a new in-game currency (trade tokens), and the exorbitant cost of trading – have angered a large segment of the player base.

DeNA acknowledged the negative feedback on February 1st, 2025, via a Twitter (X) post, stating they are actively exploring solutions. One planned change involves providing alternative methods to acquire trade tokens, including event distributions. Currently, obtaining sufficient tokens requires sacrificing higher-rarity cards, creating an inefficient and frustrating system. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card demands 500 tokens, while selling a 1-Star card yields only 100.

DeNA justified the stringent rules as a measure to prevent bot abuse and multi-account exploitation, aiming to maintain a fair and enjoyable card-collecting experience.

Genetic Apex Booster Pack Accessibility Concerns

The release of the Space-Time Smackdown booster packs on January 29th, 2025, also sparked controversy. Some players reported the disappearance of the Genetic Apex packs from the main screen, leading to concerns about their accessibility.

This, however, proved to be a UI issue; the Genetic Apex packs remain accessible via a less-prominent "Select other booster packs" option. While understandable given the small and easily overlooked text, the perceived removal fueled speculation of a deliberate marketing tactic to promote the newer packs. Players suggested a UI update to display all three booster pack sets simultaneously to prevent future misunderstandings. DeNA has yet to comment on this specific issue.