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

Pokémon TCG Pocket developer Creatures Inc. is actively investigating improvements to its trading feature, launched last week to considerable player backlash. In an X/Twitter statement, Creatures Inc. acknowledged player feedback, explaining the trading feature's restrictive design aimed to prevent abuse. However, they admitted these restrictions hinder casual enjoyment.

The company promised future events would offer Trade Tokens as rewards, a promise immediately broken by the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event, which lacked these tokens. This, coupled with existing restrictions limiting pack openings and Wonder Picking without in-app purchases, further fueled player frustration. The high cost of obtaining Trade Tokens—requiring the deletion of five cards to trade one of the same rarity—was a major point of contention.

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Creatures Inc. stated that the trading feature's restrictions were designed to prevent bot abuse and multi-account exploitation, aiming for a fair environment while preserving the core collecting experience. They acknowledged that these measures negatively impacted casual play and pledged to improve the feature. Future methods for obtaining Trade Tokens, including event distributions, were also promised, though specifics remain unclear.

The statement lacked detail on the nature or timing of these changes, leaving players uncertain about potential refunds or compensation for trades made under the current system. The lack of Trade Tokens in the Cresselia ex event, despite the recent promise, further eroded player confidence. Only 200 Trade Tokens were offered as premium Battle Pass rewards (a $9.99 monthly subscription), enough for a single 3-Diamond card trade.

Player criticism focused on the perceived monetization of the trading mechanic, especially considering the game's estimated $200 million revenue in its first month (before the trading feature). The inability to trade 2-Star or higher rarity cards further supports this view, as readily trading for missing cards would reduce the need for costly random pack purchases. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set. The mechanic was described by players as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure."