Pokémon TCG Pocket to Update Trading System: Changes Coming Soon

The developers of Pokémon TCG Pocket have announced significant improvements to the game's much-criticized trading system, which has been problematic since its launch. While these changes are promising, their implementation is slated for the fall, leaving players waiting for months.

In a detailed post on the Pokémon community forums, the developers outlined the upcoming changes:

Removal of Trade Tokens

• Trade Tokens Eliminated: The cumbersome trade tokens will be completely removed. Players will no longer need to sacrifice cards to acquire this currency for trading.
• Introduction of Shinedust: Trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will now require shinedust. This currency is automatically earned when you open booster packs and receive duplicates of cards already registered in your Card Dex.
• Shinedust for Flair and Trading: Since shinedust is also used to obtain flair, the developers plan to increase the amount available to ensure it meets the needs for both trading and flair.
• Conversion of Existing Tokens: Current trade tokens will be converted to shinedust once the system is removed.
• No Change for Lower Rarity Cards: Trading for one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.

Additional Updates in Development

• Sharing Trade Interests: A new feature will allow players to share the cards they are interested in trading for directly within the game's trading function.

The current trade token system has been a significant barrier to trading, requiring players to discard valuable cards to accumulate enough tokens for even a single trade. The new system using shinedust, which players already earn from duplicates and other in-game activities, promises a more user-friendly experience. The developers are also considering ways to increase shinedust availability, ensuring players have enough for both trading and flair.

While some form of trading cost is necessary to prevent exploitation through multiple accounts, the trade token system was overly punitive. The introduction of shinedust and the ability to share trading interests should encourage more thoughtful and active trading among the community.

The community's response to these changes has been largely positive, although there is frustration over the cards already sacrificed to the old system. There is no way to recover these lost cards, even though existing trade tokens will convert to shinedust.

However, the delay in implementing these changes until the fall poses a challenge. With the current system being so unappealing, trading activity is likely to stagnate until the new system is in place. This means that several more expansions may come and go before the trading aspect of "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket" truly flourishes.

In the meantime, players are advised to save their shinedust in anticipation of the new trading system.