Pokémon TCG Pocket's trading feature, launched last week, has faced significant player backlash, prompting developer Creatures Inc. to address concerns. A statement on X/Twitter acknowledged the negative feedback, explaining that the restrictive trading mechanics, including Trade Tokens, were intended to prevent bot abuse and maintain a fair environment. However, Creatures Inc. admitted these restrictions inadvertently hinder casual enjoyment.
The company pledged to improve the trading system, promising future events would offer Trade Tokens as rewards. This promise, however, was immediately broken with the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event, which notably lacked Trade Tokens.
The current system, already criticized for its pay-to-play elements (limiting pack openings and Wonder Picking), is further complicated by the high cost of acquiring Trade Tokens. Players must delete five cards of the same rarity to obtain a single Trade Token, a mechanic widely condemned as overly restrictive and discouraging casual trading.
Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown
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Creatures Inc.'s statement, while acknowledging player concerns, lacks specifics regarding the nature and timing of future improvements. The lack of clarity leaves players uncertain about potential refunds or compensation for trades made under the current, heavily criticized system.
The limited availability of Trade Tokens further fuels player frustration. Only 200 were offered as premium Battle Pass rewards (a $9.99 monthly subscription), sufficient for trading a single 3-Diamond card. The absence of Trade Tokens in the Cresselia ex event directly contradicts the company's recent statement.
Many players perceive the trading mechanics as a revenue-generating tactic, pointing to the game's estimated $200 million first-month revenue and the inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher. This restriction forces players to spend significant sums on packs for a chance to obtain rare cards, a mechanic described by players as "predatory," "toxic," and a "monumental failure." One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.
