The developers of Pokémon TCG Pocket have finally shared exciting details about major improvements coming to the game's much-criticized trading function, which has been a significant pain point for players since its launch. While these updates sound promising, players will need to be patient as the implementation is slated for the future.
In a detailed post on the Pokémon community forums, the developers outlined the upcoming changes:
Removal of Trade Tokens
Trade tokens will be completely phased out, eliminating the need for players to sacrifice cards to acquire trading currency. Instead, trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will require shinedust. When you open a booster pack, shinedust will be automatically earned if you obtain a card already registered in your Card Dex. Given that shinedust is currently used to obtain flair, the developers are considering increasing the amount offered to accommodate its new role in trading. This change is expected to enable more frequent card trades than before. Existing trade tokens will be converted to shinedust upon the removal of the item from the game. Note that trading mechanics for one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards will remain unchanged.
Additional Updates in Development
A new feature is in the works that will allow players to share cards they're interested in trading through the in-game trading function. This is a game-changer as it currently stands; you can list a card for trade, but there's no way to communicate what cards you're seeking in return without external communication. This new feature will help facilitate more meaningful trades and encourage interaction with a broader player base.
The elimination of trade tokens is a welcomed move. These tokens were introduced to enable trading but have been a major frustration. To trade even a single ex Pokémon card, players had to discard several other ex cards just to accumulate enough tokens. This cumbersome process discouraged many from engaging with the trading system at all. The new system, utilizing shinedust, promises to be more player-friendly. Shinedust is already part of the game, earned from duplicate cards and various in-game events, and is typically used to purchase "flairs" for cards. The developers plan to ensure players have ample shinedust to facilitate trading, making the process less costly and more accessible.
It's important to note that some trading cost is necessary to prevent exploitation, such as creating multiple accounts to farm rare cards. However, the trade token system was overly punitive, whereas shinedust offers a more balanced approach.
The ability to share desired trade cards is another significant enhancement. Currently, without a way to indicate what cards you're looking for, trading with strangers is practically non-existent. This new feature will foster a more active trading community by allowing players to make informed and fair trade offers.
While the community has responded positively to these proposed changes, there are concerns. Players who have already sacrificed rare cards to accumulate trade tokens will not recover those cards, though their tokens will convert to shinedust. Moreover, the timeline for these updates is a major drawback; the changes are not expected until the fall, meaning the current trading system will remain in place for several months. This could lead to a halt in trading activity as players hold off on using the existing system in anticipation of the new one.
In the meantime, players are advised to save their shinedust for when the new trading system goes live. While it's a long wait, the promised improvements could revitalize the trading aspect of Pokémon TCG Pocket, making it a more engaging and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
