Pokémon TCG Expands with Trade Tokens amid Feature Debate

Creatures Inc., the developer of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, has addressed player concerns regarding the recently implemented trading mechanic by gifting 1,000 Trade Tokens to all players. This is enough for only two substantial trades, a temporary measure while the developer continues to refine the system.

Players received the tokens silently in their Gift menu. However, Creatures Inc. issued a statement on X/Twitter expressing gratitude for player feedback and patience. The initial introduction of trading last week was met with significant backlash, with many players criticizing the mechanic as "hilariously toxic," "predatory," and "downright greedy."

The trading system, already constrained by limitations on pack openings and Wonder Picking, further restricts trading frequency through the use of Trade Tokens. Players heavily criticized the high cost of acquiring these tokens, requiring the deletion of five cards of equal rarity to trade one.

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Despite prior assurances that player feedback would be considered, the initial implementation fell short of expectations. Creatures Inc. acknowledged that "some of the restrictions… are preventing players from being able to casually enjoy" trading. The developer promised to address these issues by offering necessary items as rewards in future events, a promise seemingly broken by the recent Cresselia ex Drop Event (February 3rd) which lacked such rewards.

Many players suspect the trading system's design is intended to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reportedly generated $200 million in its first month before trading was introduced. This suspicion stems from the inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher, a restriction that forces players to spend significant sums ($10, $100, or more) for a chance at obtaining rare cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set. The third set was released last week.