Pokémon TCG Pocket Dev Gifts Players Trade Tokens But Still Doesn't Have Answers to Fix Controversial Feature

Pokémon TCG Pocket developer, Creatures Inc., has addressed player concerns regarding the recently implemented trading mechanic by gifting players 1,000 Trade Tokens. This is enough for only two substantial trades. The gesture comes as the developer continues to investigate and refine the system.

Players received the Trade Tokens silently in their in-game Gift menu. Creatures Inc. subsequently acknowledged the player feedback and apologized via a post on X/Twitter. The initial introduction of trading last week was met with significant criticism, with many players describing the system as "hilariously toxic," "predatory," and "downright greedy."

The trading system, already constrained by limitations on pack openings and Wonder Picking, was further restricted by the Trade Token system. Players heavily criticized the high cost of acquiring these tokens, requiring the deletion of five cards of equal rarity to trade one.

All Alternate Art 'Secret' Cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown

52 Images

Eight days after the controversial launch, Creatures Inc. acknowledged the negative reception, despite prior assurances that player feedback would be considered. The developer admitted that certain restrictions were hindering casual enjoyment of the trading feature.

While promising to address these issues by offering necessary items as rewards in future events, the recent Cresselia ex Drop Event (February 3rd) failed to deliver on this promise.

Many players believe the trading system is designed to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly generated an estimated $200 million in its first month before the trading feature was even available. This suspicion is fueled by the inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher, a restriction seemingly designed to encourage players to spend money on packs for a chance at obtaining rare cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set, highlighting the potentially high cost of collection completion.