Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has launched to overwhelmingly negative reviews, exceeding even the initial concerns voiced last week. Players are expressing widespread frustration on social media, citing excessive requirements and restrictive limitations. While the restrictions were previously disclosed, the demanding resource consumption was only vaguely hinted at.
The trading system necessitates two distinct consumable items per trade. The first is Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money).
The second, and far more controversial, item 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 obtained solely by discarding cards from a player's collection. The exchange rates are heavily skewed against players: 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. Lower rarity cards are worthless for token acquisition.
This system effectively forces players to sacrifice multiple valuable cards to trade even a single high-rarity card. For instance, five ex Pokémon must be discarded to trade one, and selling a single Crown card (the rarest in the game) only provides enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades. Even selling a 3-Star immersive art card, a key selling point of the game, doesn't yield enough tokens for a 1-Star or 4-Diamond trade.
Overwhelming Negative Feedback
The community response has been overwhelmingly negative, with players labeling the update a "monumental failure," "hilariously toxic," and an "insult." Many players, such as hurtbowler on Reddit, have vowed to cease spending on the game, citing excessive greed. The 15-second exchange time for tokens further exacerbates the cumbersome process. Several commenters suggest the system actively discourages trading.
Revenue Generation Concerns
Many believe the trading system is designed primarily to boost revenue, particularly given the game's estimated $200 million revenue in its first month before the trading feature. The inability to trade 2-Star or higher rarity cards directly supports this theory, as readily available trading would undermine the incentive to purchase packs for a chance at obtaining rare cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.
The high costs and lack of alternative token acquisition methods have been heavily criticized. ACNL on Reddit described the system as "predatory and downright greedy," highlighting the unsustainable nature of the current token economy. The requirement of three identical copies of a card to discard it further compounds the issue.
Creatures Inc.'s Silence
Creatures Inc. has yet to respond to the widespread criticism, despite previously acknowledging player concerns. IGN has reached out for comment. While adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards could potentially mitigate the problem, the more likely outcome is the addition of Trade Stamina rewards, given the 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 such as Dialga and Palkia.
