Trading has officially launched in Pokémon TCG Pocket, marking the arrival of one of the most awaited features for fans of the popular trading card game. The update released on January 29, 2025, allows players to exchange cards, fulfilling promises made by the developers at launch. Despite the excitement surrounding this feature, many players have voiced concerns about the mechanics of trading, especially the implementation of Trade Tokens.
The trading functionality lets players exchange cards, yet it is not without its limitations. Currently, trading is restricted to friends on the platform, and players can only trade cards of the same rarity. This means strategic exchanges between players may be less flexible than some might hope. Players can now only trade specific cards with rarities of either 1 Star or 1 to 4 Diamonds, ensuring fair exchanges but frustrating those who want to optimize their card collections.
To complete each trade, players must utilize two resources: hourglasses and Trade Tokens. The tokens can be acquired by fulfilling certain missions or by permanently discarding cards of Diamond rarity or higher. The system has received its fair share of criticism from players who feel it rewards those with larger card collections over less experienced users.
For example, the demands placed for trading can seem steep. To exchange for even just one Rare card, players need to spend 120 Trade Tokens. Yet, the only way to accumulate tokens through sacrifice appears rather slow; discarding one Rare gives just 25 tokens. Many players lament this approach. One user aptly expressed the sentiment shared by many, stating, "I want to trade my extra copies, not turn them Into currency to trade the extra copies I don’t have anymore because I had to turn them Into currency." This stark reflection emphasizes frustrations over being forced to convert duplicates to trade instead of using them directly.
Though the current trading capability has not fully met player expectations, there is hope for improvements on the horizon. Developers plan to incrementally increase the range of tradable cards as future updates roll out, potentially transforming the trading environment within Pokémon TCG Pocket. Some players are eagerly waiting to see how offerings will change, especially with the upcoming release of the new Space-Time Smackdown expansion, which is also set to benefit the trading experience.
The Pokémon Company has acknowledged these player concerns, with spokespersons hinting at future updates to broaden not only the scope of cards available for trading but possibly revise the methods through which players can acquire Trade Tokens. Such adjustments could greatly improve accessibility for newer players and those starting their collections from scratch.
While trading has been welcomed by many, the logistics have left plenty to be desired. The experiences of just trying to trade with friends has become somewhat convoluted, and community discussions reveal widespread desire for simpler, more satisfying interactions. The current system appears cumbersome, especially for those new to the game.
For aspiring traders eager to jump back or people unfamiliar with all trading mechanics, the initial steps are fairly straightforward. Players must first navigate to the Social Hub within their game, then initiate trades through the Trade button. There, they can browse through potential friends for card exchanges, and manage their Limited Resources effectively.
Overall, the trading feature should provide players with opportunities to forge connections as they hunt for coveted cards. But with players still airing grievances about the Trade Token process and all the limitations involved, it will be interesting to see how Pokémon TCG Pocket evolves. Those wishing to start trading should familiarize themselves with both new friend dynamics and available cards as they navigate the game’s features now live for players.
Despite the current concerns with trading mechanics, Pokémon TCG Pocket remains available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Players can engage with this engaging trading community, albeit with some caution as they enter the new trading era of the game.