The much-anticipated trading update for Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket was released today, but it has met with a wave of criticism from the player base. Despite the backlash following the initial reveal of the trading mechanics last week, the launch has been met with an even more negative response.
Players have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, particularly focusing on the cumbersome requirements and restrictive nature of the trading system. While some restrictions were disclosed last week, the full extent of the trading mechanics, including the need for "consumable items" to facilitate trades, was not fully understood until now.
Trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket involves two types of items: Trade Stamina and Trade Tokens. Trade Stamina, which is similar to other mechanics like Wonder Pick and opening booster packs, must be replenished over time or can be purchased with Poké Gold, which requires real-world money. However, it's the Trade Tokens that have caused the most uproar within the community.
Trade Tokens
To trade cards of 3 Diamonds or higher, players must use Trade Tokens. The required amounts are substantial: 120 tokens for a 3 Diamond card, 400 for a 1 Star card, and 500 for a 4 Diamond card, which represents an ex Pokémon. These tokens can only be obtained by sacrificing cards from one's collection. For instance, players can get 25 tokens for a 3 Diamond card, 100 for a 1 Star card, and 125 for a 4 Diamond card. Selling higher rarity cards like a Crown gold card yields 1500 tokens, but lower rarity cards are essentially worthless for trading purposes.
This system means players must sacrifice multiple high-value cards just to trade one. For example, trading one ex Pokémon requires sacrificing five ex Pokémon, while trading one 1 Star card requires sacrificing five 1 Star cards. Even selling a Crown rarity card, one of the rarest in the game, only provides enough tokens to trade three ex Pokémon. Similarly, selling a 3 Star immersive art card, a key selling point of the game, does not yield enough tokens to trade a 1 Star or a 4 Diamond card.
'A Monumental Failure'
The community's reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. On Reddit, user hurtbowler, whose post received over 1,000 upvotes, described the trading update as "an insult" and vowed not to spend any more money on the game. "The greed is just so excessive," they wrote, suggesting that the game should remove "Trading Card Game" from its title due to the current trading system.
Comments on the platform echoed this sentiment, with one user calling the requirement to "burn two immersive cards to be able to trade just one 4 Diamond ex" absurd, while others labeled the system as "hilariously toxic" and a "monumental failure." The process of exchanging cards for Trade Tokens also adds significant time, taking around 15 seconds per transaction, which many find laborious.
Some players suggested renaming the app to "Pokémon Card Game Pocket" due to the restrictive trading system, with one user stating, "I don't think they want people trading at all. That's why they made it so bad."
Pay Day
Critics argue that the trading system is designed to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly made $200 million in its first month before the trading feature was implemented. The inability to trade cards of 2 Star rarity or higher is seen as a tactic to encourage players to spend more money on booster packs for a chance at rare cards. One player reportedly spent $1,500 to complete the first set, and with the third set launching tomorrow, the pressure to spend is likely to increase.
Reddit user ACNL described the trading system as "predatory and downright greedy," highlighting the lack of alternative ways to acquire Trade Tokens and the requirement to have three copies of a card before it can be burned for tokens.
Creatures Inc. Stays Quiet
Creatures Inc., the developer behind Pokémon TCG Pocket, has remained silent on the backlash. Last week, they responded to initial complaints by stating, "Your concerns are seen... Once this feature becomes available, I'd like to invite everyone to try it and provide feedback." This led some to hope for improvements, but the reality has been disappointing.
IGN has reached out to Creatures Inc. for comment on the reaction and any planned changes. Some players have suggested that including Trade Tokens as rewards for missions could alleviate some issues, although it's more likely that Trade Stamina will continue to be featured in rewards, as has been the case with similar items like Wonder Stamina and Pack Hourglasses.
The negative reception to the trading update is particularly concerning as the game prepares to launch its next major update, which will introduce Diamond and Pearl Pokémon such as Dialga and Palkia to the digital card game.
