Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has arrived, but instead of celebration, the player base is erupting in frustration. The trading mechanic, already criticized last week for its restrictions, has launched to an even worse reception due to unexpectedly high requirements.
Social media is ablaze with complaints about the sheer number of limitations and the excessive resource costs. While the restrictions were previously announced, the demanding resource requirements were only vaguely hinted at with the phrase "items must be consumed in order to trade."
Unlike opening booster packs or using Wonder Pick, trading necessitates two distinct consumable items. The first is Trade Stamina, which regenerates over time or can be purchased with Poké Gold (real money).
The second item, and the real source of contention, is the Trade Token. Trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher requires a significant number of these tokens: 120 for a 3 Diamond card, 400 for a 1 Star card, and a whopping 500 for a 4 Diamond (ex Pokémon) card.
Trade Tokens are acquired by deleting cards from your collection. The exchange rate is far from favorable: a 3 Diamond card yields 25 tokens, a 1 Star card 100, a 4 Diamond card 125, a 2 Star card 300, a 3 Star immersive card 300, and a Crown gold card 1500. Lower rarity cards are worthless for this purpose.
This system forces players into an unfavorable trade-off. For instance, five ex Pokémon must be sacrificed to trade a single ex Pokémon. Similarly, five 1 Star cards (the rarest tradable cards) are needed to trade just one. Even selling a Crown rarity card—the rarest in the game and potentially months of gameplay to obtain—only provides enough tokens to trade three ex Pokémon. Selling a 3-Star immersive art card, a key selling point of the game itself, doesn't even yield enough tokens to trade a single 1 Star or 4 Diamond card.
"A Monumental Failure"
Reddit is flooded with scathing criticism. Posts like hurtbowler's, with over 1,000 upvotes, express outrage at the system's greed and vow to quit spending money on the game. Comments echo the sentiment, calling the system "hilariously toxic," a "monumental failure," and lamenting the loss of a "safe way for the community to connect." The 15-second exchange time for tokens adds insult to injury, forcing players to spend minutes navigating menus for a single trade. Many believe the system actively discourages trading.
Pay Day
Many believe the trading system is designed primarily to boost revenue. Pokémon TCG Pocket reportedly made $200 million in its first month before the trading update. The inability to easily trade higher-rarity cards (2 Star and above) ensures players are incentivized to continue purchasing packs for a chance to obtain them. One player reported spending $1,500 to complete the first set.
Reddit user ACNL describes the Trade Token conversion rates as "predatory and downright greedy," highlighting the lack of alternative ways to obtain tokens. The requirement of three copies of a card to even sell it further exacerbates the issue.
Creatures Inc. Stays Quiet
Creatures Inc. remains silent amidst the uproar, a departure from their previous response to initial criticisms. Their earlier statement, promising to "evolve in an enjoyable way," now rings hollow. IGN has reached out for comment, but no response has been received.
Some players suggest incorporating Trade Tokens as mission rewards to alleviate the problem. However, it's more likely Trade Stamina will be added to the reward pool, given the game's existing reward system.
The launch of this poorly received trading mechanic casts a shadow over the upcoming Diamond and Pearl update, introducing Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia. The negative reception raises serious questions about the game's future and its developers' approach to player engagement.
