Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Seek Trading Enhancements After Player Uproar

Pokémon TCG Pocket's trading feature, launched last week, has faced significant player backlash, prompting developer Creatures Inc. to address concerns. In a statement on X/Twitter, Creatures Inc. acknowledged the negative feedback, explaining that the restrictive trading mechanics were intended to curb abuse, but inadvertently hindered casual enjoyment.

The company pledged to improve the system by offering Trade Tokens—currently a highly criticized, expensive resource needed for trading—as rewards in future events. However, this promise was immediately broken; the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event did not include Trade Tokens.

The trading system, already criticized for its pay-to-win elements (limiting pack openings and Wonder Picking without in-app purchases), further restricts trading via Trade Tokens. Players must delete five cards of the same rarity to obtain one Trade Token, leading to accusations of predatory monetization.

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Creatures Inc.'s statement, while acknowledging the issues, lacks specifics regarding upcoming changes. The company hasn't clarified what modifications will be made or when they'll be implemented, leaving players uncertain about potential refunds or compensation for trades made under the current system.

The scarcity of Trade Tokens is further highlighted by their limited availability (200 tokens as a premium Battle Pass reward) and absence from the Cresselia ex event, directly contradicting the company's recent statement.

Player criticism centers on the perceived revenue-generating nature of the trading system, especially considering the game's estimated $200 million revenue in its first month before the trading feature's release. The inability to trade cards of 2-star rarity or higher exacerbates this concern, forcing players to spend significant sums for a chance at obtaining rarer cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set. The restrictive trading mechanics have been described by players as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure."