Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has arrived, but instead of celebration, the Pokémon community is expressing widespread disappointment. The trading mechanic, already criticized last week for its restrictions, has launched to an even worse reception due to unexpectedly high requirements.
Players are flooding social media with complaints about the excessive demands and limitations. While the restrictions were previously announced, the sheer number of items needed for each trade was obscured by the vague statement "items must be consumed in order to trade."
Unlike opening booster packs or using Wonder Pick, trading necessitates two distinct consumable items. First is Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money).
The second item, and the source of much outrage, 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 500 for a 4 Diamond (ex Pokémon) card.
Trade Tokens are earned solely by discarding cards from your collection. The exchange rates are heavily weighted against the player: 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 trading purposes.
This system necessitates selling multiple high-value cards to trade a single card of comparable rarity. For example, five ex Pokémon must be sold to trade one, and selling a Crown rarity card—the rarest in the game—only provides enough tokens to trade three ex Pokémon. Even selling a 3 Star immersive art card, a key selling point of the game, doesn't yield enough tokens to trade a 1 Star or 4 Diamond card.
'A Monumental Failure'
Reddit threads are ablaze with criticism. Posts like hurtbowler's (over 1,000 upvotes) label the update "an insult" and a display of "excessive greed," with players vowing to stop spending money. Comments echo this 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 further exacerbates the issue, turning a simple trade into a tedious process. Many believe the game's name should be changed, reflecting the difficulty of actually trading cards.
Pay Day
Many believe the trading system is designed to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly earned $200 million in its first month before trading was implemented. The inability to trade 2 Star rarity cards or higher reinforces this suspicion; players needing those cards are more likely to purchase packs for a chance to obtain them. One player reported spending $1,500 to complete the first set.
Reddit user ACNL calls the system "predatory and downright greedy," highlighting the poor token conversion rates and lack of alternative acquisition methods. The requirement of three copies of a card before it can be traded further compounds the issue.
Creatures Inc. Stays Quiet
Creatures Inc. has remained silent on the overwhelmingly negative feedback, a departure from their previous response to initial concerns. While they previously stated they were monitoring feedback, the current situation suggests no significant changes are forthcoming. IGN has reached out to Creatures Inc. for comment.
Suggestions for improvement include adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards. However, it's more likely Trade Stamina will be rewarded instead, given the precedent of similar items in the game.
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 game's future hinges on addressing these concerns and providing a more player-friendly trading experience.
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