Pokémon TCG Pocket Devs Looking to Improve Trading Following Major Player Backlash

Pokémon TCG Pocket developer Creatures Inc. is actively investigating improvements to its trading feature, launched last week to significant player backlash. In an X/Twitter statement, Creatures Inc. acknowledged player feedback, explaining the trading restrictions were intended to prevent abuse, but inadvertently hindered casual enjoyment. The company pledged to address concerns by offering Trade Tokens as event rewards, a promise immediately broken by the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event, which included no such tokens.

The trading system, already criticized for limiting pack openings and Wonder Picking without in-app purchases, further restricts trading via Trade Tokens. Players heavily criticized the high cost of acquiring these tokens, requiring the deletion of five cards to trade one of the same rarity.

Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown

52 Images

Creatures Inc. stated that the item requirements and restrictions were designed to prevent bot abuse and prohibited actions using multiple accounts. Their goal was to balance gameplay while maintaining fairness and preserving the core collecting aspect of Pokémon TCG Pocket. However, the company admitted that the restrictions negatively impacted casual players. They are actively investigating improvements and plan to offer multiple ways to obtain Trade Tokens, including through events.

The statement lacked specifics on changes or timelines, only confirming that player concerns are being addressed. Uncertainty remains regarding refunds or compensation for players who traded using the current system, potentially losing more with future cost changes.

Creatures Inc.'s commitment to including Trade Tokens in events seems questionable. Only 200 tokens were offered as premium rewards in the February 1st Battle Pass ($9.99/month), enough for trading a single 3-Diamond card. The Cresselia ex Drop Event also failed to include any Trade Tokens, despite the company's recent pledge.

Players expressed concerns that the trading mechanic is designed to increase revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly generated $200 million in its first month before the trading feature. This is further evidenced by the inability to trade 2-Star or higher rarity cards, as immediate trading would eliminate the need for costly random card acquisition. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set, with the third set released just days ago.

The trading mechanic has been described by players as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure."