Pokémon TCG Pocket Confirms Changes to Much-Loathed Trading System Are Coming... Eventually

The Pokémon TCG Pocket developers have finally detailed significant improvements to the game's heavily criticized trading system, a feature plagued by issues since launch. While the changes sound promising, their implementation is unfortunately slated for the distant future.

In a recent community forum post, the developers outlined the upcoming updates:

Removal of Trade Tokens

Trade tokens are being completely removed. Trading will no longer require this cumbersome currency. Instead, trading three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity cards will require Shinedust. Shinedust is automatically earned when opening booster packs containing cards already registered in your Card Dex. Since Shinedust is also used for obtaining flair, the developers plan to increase the amount awarded. This overhaul should facilitate more frequent trading. Existing Trade Tokens will be converted to Shinedust upon the token's removal. Trading of one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.

Additional Updates in Development

A new feature will allow players to specify desired cards when initiating trades.

The most impactful change is the elimination of Trade Tokens. These tokens, initially designed for trading, proved incredibly inefficient. Obtaining them necessitated discarding existing cards, a deeply frustrating process. For example, trading one EX Pokémon previously required sacrificing five others for sufficient tokens – a requirement equally burdensome for both trading partners.

The proposed Shinedust system offers a significant improvement. Shinedust, already in-game for purchasing card flair, is acquired automatically upon obtaining duplicate cards, and is also available through events and other means. Players likely already possess a substantial amount, and the developers aim to increase availability further to support trading. While a trading cost is necessary to prevent exploitation (e.g., creating multiple accounts to farm cards for trading), the Trade Token system was excessively prohibitive.

Another crucial update is the ability to specify desired trade cards. Currently, players can list cards for trade but cannot indicate desired cards in return, hindering trades, especially with strangers. This new feature should significantly improve trade efficiency and encourage more player interaction.

Community response to these changes has been largely positive. However, a major drawback remains: players have already discarded numerous rare cards to acquire Trade Tokens, a loss that cannot be recovered. While conversion to Shinedust mitigates this somewhat, the lost cards remain a significant issue.

Furthermore, the implementation timeline is lengthy, with the updates not expected until fall. This lengthy delay may cause trading to stagnate in the interim, given the current system's unpopularity. The game may see several expansions before the trading system truly functions effectively.

For now, hold onto that Shinedust!