Pokémon TCG Pocket Gets Trading Today and Players Absolutely Hate It

Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has launched to overwhelmingly negative reviews, exceeding even the pre-release criticism. Players are voicing significant frustration on social media, citing excessive requirements and restrictive limitations. While the restrictions were previously disclosed, the demanding resource consumption was only vaguely hinted at.

The trading system necessitates two distinct consumable items per trade. Firstly, "Trade Stamina," similar to Wonder Pick stamina, is required. This regenerates over time or can be purchased with Poké Gold (real money).

The second, and more controversial, requirement is "Trade Tokens." These tokens are needed to trade cards of 3 Diamonds or higher rarity:

• 3 Diamond: 120 Trade Tokens
• 1 Star: 400 Trade Tokens
• 4 Diamond (ex Pokémon): 500 Trade Tokens

Trade Tokens are exclusively obtained by discarding cards from a player's collection:

• 3 Diamond: 25 Trade Tokens
• 1 Star: 100 Trade Tokens
• 4 Diamond: 125 Trade Tokens
• 2 Star: 300 Trade Tokens
• 3 Star Immersive: 300 Trade Tokens
• Crown Gold: 1500 Trade Tokens

Lower rarity cards are worthless for trading and don't require tokens. This creates an absurd scenario where, for example, five ex Pokémon must be sold to trade a single ex Pokémon. Selling a Crown card, the game's rarest, only yields enough tokens for three ex trades. Even selling a 3-Star Immersive card, a key selling point of the game, doesn't provide enough tokens for a high-value trade.

The community response has been scathing, with many labeling the update a "monumental failure," "hilariously toxic," and a blatant display of greed. Reddit posts expressing outrage have garnered thousands of upvotes, with players vowing to cease spending on the game. The lengthy process of converting cards to tokens (approximately 15 seconds per card) further exacerbates the frustration. Some players suggest renaming the game, given the impractical trading system.

The trading mechanic is widely perceived as a revenue-generating tactic, 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 directly reinforces this suspicion, as it forces players to repeatedly purchase packs for a chance at obtaining desired cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.

Creatures Inc. has remained silent on the backlash, despite previously acknowledging player concerns. IGN has reached out for comment on the negative reception and the possibility of future changes. While adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards could mitigate the issue, the current implementation is a significant setback for the game, especially considering the upcoming Diamond and Pearl update introducing Dialga and Palkia.