Pokémon TCG Pocket Announces Upcoming Changes to Trading System

The developers of Pokémon TCG Pocket have finally shared detailed plans for revamping the game's much-criticized trading system, which has been a source of frustration since the game's launch. While the proposed improvements sound promising, players will need to exercise patience as the implementation is slated for the distant future.

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

Removal of Trade Tokens

• Trade tokens will be completely phased out. Players will no longer need to sacrifice cards to acquire trading currency.
• Trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will now require shinedust instead.
• Shinedust will be automatically earned when opening a booster pack and receiving a card already registered in your Card Dex.
• Given that shinedust is also used to obtain flair, the developers are considering increasing the amount awarded to accommodate its new role in trading.
• This change is expected to enable more frequent card trading than the current system allows.
• Existing trade tokens will be converted to shinedust upon their removal from the game.
• There will be no changes to how one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards are traded.

Additional Updates in Development

• A new feature will allow players to share cards they're interested in trading for through the in-game trading function.

The most significant change is the elimination of Trade Tokens, which have been a major point of contention. Currently, to trade even a single ex Pokémon card, players must destroy five other ex cards to accumulate enough tokens. This cumbersome process has deterred many from using the trading system.

The new system, utilizing shinedust, promises to be more user-friendly. Shinedust, already used for card flairs, is earned automatically from duplicate cards and through various in-game events. Most players likely have a surplus of shinedust, and the developers plan to further boost its availability to facilitate smoother trades.

Implementing a cost for trading remains crucial to prevent exploitation, such as creating multiple accounts to farm rare cards. However, the current trade token system's high cost has been prohibitive for many players.

Another significant improvement is the ability to indicate desired trades. Currently, trading with strangers is challenging due to the lack of communication within the game about what cards a player might want in exchange. This new feature aims to streamline the process and encourage more trading activity.

The community has responded positively to these proposed changes, although there's a notable downside: players who have already sacrificed rare cards to accumulate trade tokens have no way to reclaim them. While existing tokens will convert to shinedust, the lost cards are gone for good.

Unfortunately, players will need to wait until the fall of this year for these updates to take effect. In the interim, trading activity may stagnate as the current system remains unappealing, especially with a better solution on the horizon. Several expansions may come and go before the "trading" aspect of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket truly flourishes.

In the meantime, it's advisable to save your shinedust!