Pokémon TCG Pocket Confirms Changes to Much-Loathed Trading System Are Coming... Eventually

Pokémon TCG Pocket’s reviled trading system is finally getting a much-needed overhaul. Developers have detailed significant improvements, promising a smoother, more user-friendly experience, though implementation is slated for the distant future.

In a recent community forum post, the developers outlined the upcoming changes:

Farewell, Trade Tokens!

Trade tokens are being completely removed. Trading will no longer require this cumbersome currency. Instead, trading three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity cards will now utilize Shinedust. Shinedust is automatically earned when opening booster packs containing cards already registered in your Card Dex. As Shinedust is also used for flair, the developers plan to increase the amount awarded. This change should significantly increase the volume of cards you can trade. Existing trade tokens will be converted to Shinedust upon the removal of the token system. Trading one- and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.

More Improvements on the Horizon

A new feature will allow players to specify desired cards when initiating a trade.

This update addresses the core issue: the removal of Trade Tokens. These tokens, originally intended for trading, proved incredibly frustrating. Obtaining them necessitated discarding existing cards—a significant deterrent to trading. For instance, trading one EX Pokémon previously required sacrificing five others for sufficient tokens. This applied to both trading parties.

The new Shinedust system is a considerable improvement. Shinedust, already used for card flair (cosmetic animations), is automatically acquired from duplicate cards and through events. Many players likely possess a surplus, and the developers plan to increase Shinedust acquisition rates to facilitate trading. While a cost is necessary to prevent exploitation (creating numerous accounts to farm cards and transfer them to a main account), the Trade Token system was excessively punitive.

Another crucial addition is the ability to specify desired trade cards. Currently, players can only list cards for trade without indicating desired cards in return, hindering trades, particularly with strangers. This new feature should significantly improve trading efficiency and encourage player interaction.

Community reception to these changes is overwhelmingly positive. However, a significant drawback remains: players who discarded rare cards to acquire trade tokens will not recover those cards, despite the token-to-Shinedust conversion.

The most significant downside? The implementation of these changes is not expected until Fall. Until then, the current, inefficient trading system will likely discourage most players from trading. This means we may see several game expansions before the "trading" aspect of Pokémon TCG Pocket truly functions as intended.

Stock up on that Shinedust!