Pokémon TCG Pocket to Revamp Trading System: Changes Confirmed

The developers of Pokémon TCG Pocket have unveiled significant enhancements to the game's much-criticized trading system, which has been problematic since its launch. While the proposed changes sound promising, their implementation is slated for the distant future.

In a recent post on the Pokémon community forums, the developers outlined the following updates:

Removal of Trade Tokens

• Trade tokens will be entirely phased out, eliminating the need for players to sacrifice cards to acquire trading currency.
• Trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will now require shinedust.
• Shinedust will be automatically earned when you open a booster pack and obtain a card already registered in your Card Dex.
• Given shinedust's current use for obtaining flair, the developers plan to increase the amount available to accommodate its new role in trading.
• This change is expected to facilitate more frequent trading than before.
• Existing trade tokens will be converted to shinedust upon the removal of the item from the game.
• Trading for one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards will remain unchanged.

Additional Updates in Development

• A new feature will allow players to share cards they're interested in trading within the in-game trading system.

The current trade token system, introduced specifically for trading, has been widely criticized. To trade a card, players must "vaporize" multiple cards of the same rarity to accumulate enough trade tokens. This cumbersome process has discouraged many from using the system.

The new system utilizing shinedust promises a smoother experience. Shinedust, already part of the game for purchasing flairs, is earned automatically from duplicate cards and through events. Players likely have a surplus of shinedust, and the developers are considering ways to increase its availability to ensure seamless trading.

Implementing a cost for trading is crucial to prevent abuse, such as creating multiple accounts to trade rare cards to a main account. The trade token system was simply too costly for most players.

The ability to share cards of interest for trading will revolutionize the system. Currently, there's no in-game way to communicate desired trades, leading to ineffective trading with strangers. This new feature will enable players to make informed offers, boosting the system's usability.

The community has responded positively to these changes. However, there's a significant downside: players have already sacrificed many rare cards to amass trade tokens, and those cards cannot be recovered. While existing trade tokens will convert to shinedust, the lost cards remain a sore point.

Moreover, these improvements won't be implemented until the fall of this year, leaving players in limbo. Trading may come to a standstill as no one will want to destroy their rare cards when a better solution is on the horizon. Several expansions may pass before the "trading" in "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket" truly flourishes.

In the meantime, players are advised to save their shinedust for the upcoming changes.