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Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Looking to Improve Trading Following Major Player Backlash

By ZoeyFeb 20,2025

Pokémon TCG Pocket's trading feature, launched last week, has faced significant player backlash, prompting developer Creatures Inc. to address concerns. A statement on X/Twitter acknowledged the negative feedback, explaining that while the initial design aimed to prevent abuse, the implemented restrictions hinder casual enjoyment.

Creatures Inc. promised to address these issues by offering Trade Tokens—a controversial in-game currency required for trading—as rewards in future events. However, this promise was immediately broken; the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event did not include any Trade Tokens.

The trading system, already criticized for its restrictive nature (limiting pack openings and Wonder Picking without in-app purchases), further complicates matters with the Trade Token system. Players find obtaining these tokens excessively expensive, requiring the deletion of five cards to trade one of the same rarity.

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Creatures Inc. clarified that the restrictions were intended to combat bot activity and multi-account abuse. While aiming for a fair environment, the company admitted the current system negatively impacts casual players. They pledged to improve the trading feature but offered no specifics regarding changes or timelines.

The statement remains vague on crucial points: will existing trades be refunded or compensated? If Trade Token costs change, early adopters could suffer significant losses. Furthermore, the limited availability of Trade Tokens (only 200 offered as premium Battle Pass rewards) casts doubt on the company's commitment to its promises.

The lack of Trade Tokens in the Cresselia ex event directly contradicts the recent statement. While the event offers other rewards (promo cards, Pack Hourglasses, etc.), the absence of Trade Tokens fuels player suspicion that the trading system primarily serves to increase revenue.

This suspicion is amplified by the inability to trade 2-Star or higher rarity cards. Allowing direct trades would eliminate the need for players to spend significant sums on packs for a chance to obtain specific cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.

The community's response has been overwhelmingly negative, with players labeling the mechanic "predatory," "toxic," and a "monumental failure." This criticism comes after Pokémon TCG Pocket reportedly generated $200 million in its first month, before the trading feature's implementation.

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