Pokemon TCG Pocket Trading Feature to Improve After Feedback

Pokémon TCG Pocket developer DeNA has committed to revising the trading feature following player criticism. Discover what sparked the community's dissatisfaction with the current trading mechanics.

Player Feedback on Pokémon TCG Pocket's Recent Update

The High Cost of Acquiring Trade Tokens in TCG Pocket

The introduction of Pokémon TCG Pocket's trading system has drawn significant player discontent, leading developer DeNA to announce upcoming adjustments via Twitter on February 1, 2025.

Launched on January 29, 2025, the eagerly awaited trading functionality enables exchanges of 1-4 Diamond cards and 1-Star rarity cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. While beneficial for completing Pokédex collections, the feature's limitations—including restricted card options, a new currency system, and substantial trading expenses—have frustrated many participants.

Addressing community feedback, DeNA confirmed they're "exploring enhancements to better meet player expectations." Their proposed solutions include "introducing multiple acquisition methods for trade tokens, such as event rewards." Presently, trading is confined to 1-Star cards.

These specialized tokens serve as the trading system's currency, obtainable solely by exchanging higher-rarity cards. For example, trading a 4-Diamond EX Pokémon demands 500 tokens, yet sacrificing a 1-Star card yields only 100 tokens, while higher-tier 2-Star and 3-Star immersive cards provide 300 tokens. This economy forces players to surrender valuable or multiple cards for basic trades.

DeNA clarified their rationale behind the stringent trading rules: "The implemented requirements and restrictions aim to prevent bot exploitation and multi-account abuses. We strive to maintain game balance while ensuring fair play and preserving the collecting experience fundamental to Pokémon TCG Pocket."

Although specific forthcoming changes remain undisclosed, the development team appears to be analyzing potential system vulnerabilities before deploying updates.

Genetic Apex Visibility Concerns After Space-Time Smackdown Launch

Community members have raised additional concerns regarding the January 29, 2025 release of Space-Time Smackdown booster packs. Reddit users reported difficulty locating Genetic Apex packs on the home screen, which only displayed Mythical Island and the new Space-Time Smackdown sets.

Contrary to these reports, players can access all booster varieties through the "Select other booster packs" option in the bottom-right pack selection interface. The minimally visible navigation text has understandably caused confusion among collectors fearing permanent removal of the inaugural card set.

While some attribute this to interface design limitations, others speculate about intentional promotion of newer card sets. Though potentially effective for marketing, this approach disadvantages players still completing their Genetic Apex collections. Community suggestions include home screen displays for all three available booster sets to prevent future misunderstandings.

Though DeNA hasn't formally addressed this interface concern, players should note that Genetic Apex remains accessible for completion using time resources and hourglass currency.