Pokémon TCG Pocket developer Creatures Inc. is actively investigating improvements to its trading feature, launched last week to significant player backlash. A statement on X/Twitter acknowledged player feedback, explaining the controversial trading system was designed to prevent abuse, but admitted current restrictions hinder casual enjoyment. The company promised 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 feature, already criticized for limiting pack openings and Wonder Picking without in-app purchases, adds a further layer of restriction: Trade Tokens. Players decried the high cost of acquiring these tokens, requiring the deletion of five cards to trade one of the same rarity.
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Creatures Inc. stated that the item requirements and restrictions were intended to prevent bot abuse and prohibited actions using multiple accounts. The goal, they claimed, was to balance gameplay while maintaining fairness and preserving the core collecting aspect of the Pokémon TCG Pocket experience. However, they acknowledged player feedback indicating that the current restrictions negatively impact casual play and pledged to improve the feature. Future plans include multiple ways to obtain Trade Tokens, including through events.
The statement lacked specifics regarding changes or timelines, but confirmed that player concerns are being addressed. Uncertainty remains regarding refunds or compensation for players who traded under the current system, potentially losing more if token costs change.
Creatures Inc.'s commitment to offering Trade Tokens in events appears questionable. Only 200 were offered as premium rewards in the February 1st Battle Pass (enough for one 3-Diamond card trade). The Cresselia ex Drop Event further highlighted this, offering no Trade Tokens despite the previous day's promise. The event provided promo cards, Pack Hourglasses, Shinedust, shop tickets, and experience, but omitted Trade Tokens.
Criticism centers on the trading mechanic seemingly designed to increase revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly earned $200 million in its first month before the trading feature's implementation. The inability to trade 2-Star or higher rarity cards further fuels this perception, as readily trading for missing cards would eliminate the need for potentially costly in-app purchases. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set, with a third set released just days ago.
Players have described the mechanic as "predatory and downright greedy," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure."
