The Pokémon TCG Pocket trading feature, launched January 29th, 2025, has faced significant player backlash, prompting developer DeNA to promise improvements. The outcry centers around the feature's cost and restrictions.
Pokémon TCG Pocket: Player Complaints About the Latest Update
The High Cost of Trade Tokens
DeNA's February 1st, 2025, Twitter (X) post acknowledged player concerns. The trading feature, while helpful for completing Pokédexes, allows trading only 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star rarity cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. This, combined with the introduction of a new in-game currency (trade tokens) and high trading costs, sparked widespread dissatisfaction.
DeNA responded by stating they are actively working on improvements, including adding multiple ways to obtain trade tokens, such as through events. Currently, obtaining these tokens requires sacrificing higher-rarity cards, creating an imbalance. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card needs 500 tokens, while selling a 1-Star card only yields 100, forcing players to "burn" rare cards to trade.
DeNA explained the stringent rules were implemented to prevent botting and multi-account abuse, aiming to maintain a fair and enjoyable collecting experience. Further changes are yet to be announced.
The Apparent Disappearance of Genetic Apex
Another complaint following the January 29th release of Space-Time Smackdown booster packs involves the seemingly absent Genetic Apex packs. Reddit posts expressed concern over their disappearance from the home screen, which only displayed Mythical Island and Space-Time Smackdown.
This, however, was a matter of poor UI design. Genetic Apex packs remain accessible via a small, easily overlooked "Select other booster packs" option in the bottom right corner. While understandable given the small text, players suggested improving the home screen to display all three booster pack sets to prevent future confusion. DeNA has not yet addressed this issue.
