Pokémon TCG Pocket Dev Gifts Players Trade Tokens But Still Doesn't Have Answers to Fix Controversial Feature

Creatures Inc., the developer of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, has addressed player concerns regarding the recently implemented trading mechanic by gifting players 1,000 Trade Tokens. This is enough for only two substantial trades. The developer is actively investigating improvements to the system.

Players received the Trade Tokens silently in their in-game Gift menu. Creatures Inc. acknowledged the negative feedback on X/Twitter, thanking players for their patience. The trading feature's launch was met with significant criticism, with many players describing the mechanics as "hilariously toxic," "predatory," and "downright greedy."

The trading system, like other aspects of Pokémon TCG Pocket, incorporates restrictions designed to encourage in-app purchases. The high cost of acquiring Trade Tokens—requiring the deletion of five cards to trade one of similar rarity—was a major point of contention.

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Despite prior assurances that player feedback would be considered, the initial implementation fell short of expectations. Creatures Inc. subsequently acknowledged that the restrictions hindered casual enjoyment of the trading feature. The developer promised to address these issues by offering necessary items as rewards in future events, a promise yet unfulfilled by the February 3rd Cresselia ex Drop Event.

Many believe the trading system's design prioritizes revenue generation. This is supported by the inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher, a restriction that forces players to spend money on packs for a chance to obtain rarer cards. The high cost of completing sets, with one player reporting spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set, further fuels this criticism. The third set launched last week.