Pokémon TCG Pocket Announces Upcoming Changes to Trading System

The developers of Pokémon TCG Pocket have finally shared detailed plans for significant improvements to the game's much-criticized trading system, which has been problematic since its launch. While the proposed changes sound promising, their implementation is slated for the distant future.

In a recent post on the Pokémon community forums, the developers outlined the upcoming changes as follows:

Removal of Trade Tokens

• Trade tokens will be entirely removed, eliminating the need to convert cards into this currency for trading.
• Trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will now require shinedust.
• Shinedust will be automatically earned when opening a booster pack and obtaining a card already registered in your Card Dex.
• Given that shinedust is also used for obtaining flair, the developers are considering increasing the amount available to facilitate trading as well.
• This change is expected to allow players to trade more cards than under the current system.
• Existing trade tokens will be converted to shinedust upon the removal of the item.
• There will be no changes to the trading method for one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards.

Additional Updates in Development

• A new feature will enable players to share cards they are interested in trading through the in-game trading function.

The most significant change is the elimination of Trade Tokens, which have been a major source of frustration. Currently, to trade an ex Pokémon card, players must sacrifice five other ex cards to acquire enough trade tokens, a process that discourages trading. The new system will use shinedust, an existing in-game currency earned from duplicate cards and other events. This should make trading more accessible, especially since many players already have surplus shinedust. The developers plan to increase the availability of shinedust to ensure smooth trading transitions.

It's crucial for TCG Pocket to maintain some trading cost to prevent exploitation, such as creating multiple accounts to trade rare cards to a main account. The trade token system, however, was excessively costly and deterred many players.

Another major improvement is the ability to share desired trade cards within the game. Currently, without external communication, trading with strangers is impractical as there's no way to indicate preferred trades. This new feature will encourage more active trading by allowing players to make informed offers.

The community has responded positively to these changes, appreciating the developers' efforts to address the trading system's shortcomings. However, a significant concern is the loss of rare cards already sacrificed for trade tokens, with no way to recover them. Although existing trade tokens will convert to shinedust, the cards are irretrievably gone.

Unfortunately, players will need to wait until the fall of this year for these changes to take effect. In the interim, trading activity may decline as players hold off on using the current system in anticipation of the new, improved one. This could mean several more expansions before the trading aspect of "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket" fully thrives.

In the meantime, it's advisable to save your shinedust!