Pokémon TCG: Trade Token Gift, Fix for Controversial Feature Still Pending

Pokémon TCG Pocket developer, Creatures Inc., has issued 1,000 Trade Tokens to players. This is enough for only two significant trades, a temporary measure while the company continues to address concerns surrounding the game's controversial trading mechanic.

Players received the tokens silently in their Gift menu. However, Creatures Inc. took to X/Twitter to acknowledge player feedback and express gratitude for their patience. Last week, the trading feature's implementation drew considerable criticism, with players describing it as "hilariously toxic," "predatory," and "downright greedy."

The trading system, like other aspects of Pokémon TCG Pocket, includes restrictions that limit pack openings, Wonder Picking, and now trading, unless players spend real money. The high cost of acquiring Trade Tokens – requiring the deletion of five cards to trade one of the same rarity – was a major point of contention.

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Eight days after the release of the trading feature, which was met with significant backlash, Creatures Inc. acknowledged the negative reception. The company had previously stated, nearly three weeks prior to the launch, that it welcomed player feedback after the feature's release, leading many to believe the system would be more player-friendly. This proved not to be the case.

Creatures Inc. subsequently admitted that some restrictions hinder casual enjoyment of trading and promised to address concerns by offering necessary items as rewards in future events. However, the Cresselia ex Drop Event, released on February 3rd, failed to include these promised rewards.

Many players believe the trading system is designed to increase revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, a game estimated to have generated $200 million in its first month, before trading was even available. This suspicion stems from the inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher, a restriction seemingly designed to encourage players to spend money on packs for a chance to obtain rarer cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set, with the third set arriving just last week.