Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has arrived, but instead of celebration, the player base is erupting in frustration. The trading mechanic, already criticized for its restrictions last week, has launched to an even worse reception due to unexpectedly high requirements.
Players are flooding social media with complaints about the excessive demands and limitations. While the restrictions were disclosed earlier, the sheer number of resources needed for each trade was obscured by the vague statement, "items must be consumed in order to trade."
Unlike opening booster packs or using Wonder Pick, trading necessitates two distinct consumable items per transaction. The first is Trade Stamina, which replenishes over time or can be purchased with Poké Gold (real money).
The second item, and the source of widespread outrage, is the Trade Token. Trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher requires a significant number of these tokens: 120 for a 3 Diamond card, 400 for a 1 Star card, and 500 for a 4 Diamond (ex Pokémon) card.
Trade Tokens are acquired by deleting cards from your collection. The exchange rates are steep: a 3 Diamond card yields 25 tokens, a 1 Star card 100, a 4 Diamond card 125, a 2 Star card 300, a 3 Star immersive card 300, and a Crown gold card 1500. Cards of lower rarity are worthless for token acquisition.
This system forces players into an unfavorable exchange. For example, trading a single ex Pokémon requires selling five, and trading a single 1 Star card requires selling five 1 Star cards. Even selling a Crown rarity card—the rarest in the game—only provides enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades. Selling a 3 Star immersive art card, a key selling point of the game, doesn't even provide enough tokens to trade a single 1 Star or 4 Diamond card.
'A Monumental Failure'
Reddit posts are overflowing with scathing criticism. One player, hurtbowler, declared the update "an insult," vowing to quit spending money on the game, garnering over 1,000 upvotes. Comments echo the sentiment, calling the system "hilariously toxic," a "monumental failure," and lamenting the loss of a "safe way for the community to connect." The 15-second exchange time for tokens adds insult to injury, forcing players to spend minutes navigating menus for a single trade. Many users suggest renaming the app to remove "Trading Card Game" from the title.
Pay Day
Many believe the trading system is designed to maximize revenue. Pokémon TCG Pocket reportedly earned $200 million in its first month before trading was implemented. The inability to trade cards of 2 Star rarity or higher further fuels this suspicion; readily trading for missing cards would undermine the need to spend money on packs. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.
Players are calling the system "predatory and downright greedy," pointing out 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. Stays Quiet
Creatures Inc. remains silent on the intense backlash, a departure from their previous response to initial concerns. Their earlier statement, "Your concerns are seen," promised improvement but clearly fell short of expectations. IGN has reached out for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Suggestions for improvement include adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards, though Trade Stamina is more likely to appear in this capacity, given the game's existing reward system.
The launch of this poorly-received trading mechanic casts a shadow over the upcoming Diamond and Pearl update, which will introduce Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia. The negative reception raises serious questions about the game's future and the developer's responsiveness to player feedback.
