Pokémon TCG Pocket Confirms Changes to Much-Loathed Trading System Are Coming... Eventually

The developers of Pokémon TCG Pocket have announced significant improvements to the game's trading system, which has been a source of frustration for players since its launch. These changes are eagerly awaited, but players will need to exercise patience as the implementation is scheduled for the fall.

In a detailed post on the Pokémon community forums, the developers outlined the upcoming changes:

Removal of Trade Tokens

Trade tokens, a much-criticized aspect of the current trading system, will be completely phased out. Players will no longer need to sacrifice cards to acquire these tokens. Instead, trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarities will require shinedust, an existing in-game currency. Shinedust is automatically earned when players open booster packs and receive duplicate cards already registered in their Card Dex. Since shinedust is also used for obtaining flairs, the developers are considering increasing the amount available to accommodate its new role in trading. This change is expected to facilitate more frequent and less costly trades. Players with existing trade tokens will have them converted to shinedust upon the removal of the item. The trading method for one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.

Additional Updates in Development

A new feature will allow players to share their desired trade cards within the game's trading function, making it easier to negotiate trades. This addresses the current system's major flaw, where players could list cards for trade but had no way to indicate what they were seeking in return, making trades with strangers nearly impossible.

The current trade token system has been a significant barrier to trading. Players needed to discard multiple cards just to gather enough tokens for a single trade, deterring many from engaging with the system. The switch to shinedust, which players accumulate passively, should make trading more accessible and less painful.

While these changes are welcomed by the community, there are concerns. Players have already sacrificed numerous rare cards to amass trade tokens, and those cards are irretrievably lost. Although existing tokens will convert to shinedust, it won't compensate for the lost cards.

Moreover, the wait for these improvements is substantial. The developers have indicated that the changes won't be implemented until the fall, leaving players to endure the current system for several more months. This delay could lead to a further decline in trading activity, as players may be reluctant to use the existing system knowing a better solution is on the horizon.

In the meantime, players are advised to save their shinedust in anticipation of the new trading system. The community remains hopeful that these changes will revitalize the trading aspect of Pokémon TCG Pocket, making it a more enjoyable and engaging experience.