Pokémon TCG Pocket Update: Trading Feature Delayed Until Autumn

The launch of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket was met with enthusiasm, but it quickly encountered significant challenges with its trading system. Initially, the trading feature was criticized for its cumbersome Trading Tokens system and restrictive trading rules, which limited what players could exchange and with whom. However, a new update promises to overhaul these issues and enhance the trading experience.

The first major change is the complete removal of Trading Tokens. Now, trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarities will require Shinedust instead. You'll earn Shinedust every time you open a booster pack and receive a card that's already registered in your Card Dex. If you currently hold Trading Tokens, they will be converted to Shinedust, which is also used to obtain flair items. The developers have more alterations planned for Shinedust, and an upcoming update will allow you to share cards you're interested in trading through an in-game function.

Trading Spaces

As previously noted, the initial implementation of trading seemed half-hearted, primarily because in-game trading requires more restrictions than physical trading to prevent abuse in the digital ecosystem. These changes, though promising, won't be implemented until autumn at the earliest, leaving players waiting through the spring and summer. While the Pokémon TCG Pocket team is addressing these issues, the pace of these updates has been slower than many would hope.

If you're hesitant to dive back into Pokémon TCG Pocket right now, consider exploring some of the top new mobile games we've highlighted in our latest feature on the top five new mobile games to try this week.