Pokémon TCG Update: Enhanced Trading Feature Prompts Positive Response

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 welcomed by players aiming for Pokedex completion, the limitations – restricted card selection, a new in-game currency (trade tokens), and exorbitant trading costs – have caused widespread dissatisfaction.

DeNA acknowledged the negative feedback on February 1st, 2025, via a Twitter (X) post, stating they are actively investigating solutions. One planned improvement is to introduce multiple ways to acquire trade tokens, including through in-game events. Currently, obtaining sufficient tokens to trade higher-rarity cards requires sacrificing numerous lower-rarity cards, a process deemed unfair by many players. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card demands 500 tokens, while selling even higher-rarity cards yields significantly fewer.

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

Genetic Apex Booster Pack Accessibility Concerns

Further fueling the controversy, the release of the Space-Time Smackdown booster packs on January 29th, 2025, led to concerns that the Genetic Apex packs had been removed. Reddit discussions highlighted the absence of Genetic Apex from the main screen. However, this proved to be a user interface issue; the option to select Genetic Apex packs remains available, albeit in a less prominent location.

While understandable as a potential marketing strategy to encourage purchases of newer packs, the poor visibility of the Genetic Apex selection has caused unnecessary anxiety among players who haven't completed their collections. Players have suggested improving the home screen display to avoid future confusion. DeNA has not yet addressed this specific issue.