Pokemon TCG Pocket: Trading Feature Enhanced After Backlash

Pokemon TCG Pocket Backlash Prompts Trading Feature Improvements

The developers of Pokemon TCG Pocket, DeNA, have committed to making changes to the game's trading feature following significant player backlash. This article delves into the reasons behind the players' dissatisfaction and the promised improvements.

Pokemon TCG Pocket Players’ Complaints About the Game’s Latest Update

TCG Pocket’s Trade Tokens are Quite Expensive to Obtain

The trading feature in Pokemon TCG Pocket, introduced on January 29, 2025, has sparked considerable controversy among the player base. DeNA announced on February 1, 2025, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), that they would address the concerns raised by the community.

The new trading system allows players to exchange 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star rarity cards from the Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. While this feature was eagerly awaited by those looking to complete their Poke Dex, the constraints—limited card options, a new in-game currency, and high trading costs—have led to widespread dissatisfaction.

In response to the feedback, DeNA stated they are "actively investigating ways to improve the feature to address these concerns." They plan to introduce multiple methods for players to obtain trade tokens, including event distributions. Currently, trade tokens are required for trading and can only be acquired by sacrificing higher rarity cards. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card (an ex Pokemon) requires 500 tokens, yet players only receive 100 tokens for a 1-Star card and 300 for 2-Star and 3-Star cards. This forces players to sacrifice rare or multiple cards to engage in trades.

DeNA justified the stringent trading rules as a measure to prevent bot abuse and maintain a fair and enjoyable environment. "The item requirements and restrictions implemented for the trading feature were designed to prevent abuse from bots and other prohibited actions using multiple accounts," the developers explained. "Our goal was to balance the game while maintaining a fair environment for all players and preserving the fun of collecting cards that is core to the Pokemon TCG Pocket experience."

While other potential changes to the trading system remain undisclosed, DeNA is likely taking time to ensure any updates address potential exploits.

Genetic Apex Seemingly Disappears After Space-Time Smackdown’s Release

Another issue raised by players concerns the availability of the Genetic Apex booster packs following the release of the Space-Time Smackdown packs on January 29, 2025. Some players expressed concerns on Reddit that the Genetic Apex packs had vanished, with only the Mythical Island and Space-Time Smackdown packs visible on the home screen.

However, this is a misunderstanding, as players can access the Genetic Apex packs by selecting "other booster packs" from the bottom right corner of the pack selection screen. The small text size may have contributed to the confusion, leading some to believe that the first booster pack was no longer available.

While some attribute this to poor design choices, others speculate it might be a marketing tactic to encourage players to open the newer packs. Nonetheless, not all players have completed collecting cards from the Genetic Apex set. Suggestions have been made for DeNA to update the home screen to display all three booster pack sets, thus avoiding further confusion.

DeNA has yet to comment on this specific issue, but with this clarification, players should feel reassured that they can continue working towards completing their Genetic Apex collections.