Pokemon TCG: Trading Feature Overhaul Announced

The Pokémon TCG Pocket developers, DeNA, have promised improvements to the game's trading feature following significant player backlash. Read on to discover the source of the complaints.

Pokémon TCG Pocket: Player Complaints About the Latest Update

Pokémon TCG Pocket's newly implemented trading feature, launched January 29th, 2025, has been met with widespread dissatisfaction, prompting DeNA to announce upcoming changes in a February 1st, 2025, Twitter (X) post.

The feature allows trading of 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star rarity cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. While helpful for Pokédex completion, limitations—restricted card selection, a new in-game currency, and high trading costs—have angered many players.

In response to the negative feedback, DeNA stated they are actively investigating improvements, including exploring multiple ways to obtain trade tokens, such as through event distributions. Currently, only 1-Star cards are tradable.

These tokens, used for trading, are acquired by sacrificing higher-rarity cards. Trading a 4-Diamond card (an EX Pokémon) requires 500 tokens, while selling a 1-Star card yields only 100, and 2-Star and 3-Star cards yield 300. This forces players to sacrifice numerous rare cards to facilitate trades.

DeNA explained the strict regulations were implemented to prevent bot abuse and multi-account exploitation. The goal, they say, was to balance the game fairly while preserving the core collecting aspect of Pokémon TCG Pocket.

While further trading feature changes remain unannounced, DeNA's focus appears to be on addressing potential cheating methods before releasing updates.

Genetic Apex Booster Pack Availability Concerns

Another recent complaint centers on the January 29th, 2025 release of Space-Time Smackdown booster packs. Some players reported on Reddit that Genetic Apex packs became unavailable, with only Mythical Island and Space-Time Smackdown packs visible on the home screen.

However, Genetic Apex packs remain accessible via a small, easily overlooked "Select other booster packs" option in the bottom right corner of the pack selection screen.

While attributable to poor UI design, some players suspected a deliberate attempt to promote the new packs. This, while understandable from a marketing perspective, is problematic for players who haven't completed the Genetic Apex collection. Many suggested updating the home screen to display all three booster pack sets to avoid future confusion.

DeNA hasn't yet addressed this, but this clarification should reassure players that Genetic Apex packs remain available.