Pokémon TCG Community Encourages Gameplay Updates

Pokemon TCG Pocket's Trading Feature Faces Backlash, Prompts Developer Response

DeNA, the developer of Pokemon TCG Pocket, has pledged improvements to the game's trading feature following significant player criticism. The controversy centers around the recent January 29, 2025, update introducing the trading system.

High Cost of Trade Tokens Fuels Player Frustration

The trading feature, while intended to aid players in completing their Pokedex, has fallen short due to several limitations. Players can only trade 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star rarity cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. The primary complaint revolves around the in-game currency, trade tokens, required for trades. Obtaining these tokens proves exceptionally difficult and expensive, demanding the sacrifice of higher-rarity cards to acquire enough tokens for even a single trade. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card requires 500 tokens, while selling a 1-Star card yields only 100. This forces players to essentially "burn" valuable cards to facilitate trades.

In response to the negative feedback, DeNA acknowledged the issues in a February 1, 2025, Twitter (X) post, stating they are actively exploring solutions. These include providing alternative methods for obtaining trade tokens, such as through in-game events.

DeNA justified the initial restrictive rules as a measure against bot abuse and multi-account exploitation, aiming to maintain a fair and enjoyable card-collecting experience.

Genetic Apex Booster Pack Accessibility Concerns

Another point of contention involves the release of the Space-Time Smackdown booster packs alongside the trading feature. Some players mistakenly believed the Genetic Apex packs had been removed from the game, due to their absence from the main screen. This was clarified as a UI issue; the option to select Genetic Apex packs remains available, albeit less prominently displayed.

While understandable from a marketing perspective, the less-than-obvious pack selection has caused frustration, especially for players who haven't completed the Genetic Apex collection. Players have suggested improving the home screen's display to show all available booster packs to prevent future confusion. DeNA has yet to directly address this UI issue.