Pokémon TCG Pocket's much-maligned trading system is finally getting a major overhaul, addressing player complaints about its cumbersome mechanics. While the improvements sound promising, the lengthy implementation timeline leaves much to be desired.
Developers recently detailed upcoming changes on the Pokémon community forums:
Trading Overhaul: Farewell, Trade Tokens!
The dreaded Trade Tokens are being removed entirely. Trading three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity cards will now require Shinedust, a currency already in the game. Shinedust is automatically earned when opening booster packs containing duplicate cards already registered in your Card Dex. Since Shinedust is also used for flairs, developers plan to increase its acquisition rate. This change should significantly increase the volume of cards players can trade. Existing Trade Tokens will be converted to Shinedust upon the system's update. Trading of one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.
Additional Improvements on the Horizon
A new feature will let players specify desired trade cards within the in-game trading function.
The core change eliminates Trade Tokens, a poorly designed currency requiring players to discard cards to facilitate trades. The previous system made even simple trades prohibitively expensive, effectively rendering the trading function unusable for many.
The new Shinedust-based system is far more player-friendly. Shinedust, used for card flairs, is acquired passively through duplicate cards and events. Many players likely already possess a surplus. Developers are exploring ways to further increase Shinedust availability. While a cost for trading remains necessary to prevent exploitation, the Shinedust system offers a far more reasonable and accessible alternative.
The ability to specify desired trade cards is a game-changer. Currently, players can only list cards for trade without indicating what they seek in return, hindering trades, especially with strangers. This new feature should significantly improve trade efficiency and encourage player interaction.
Community reception to these changes is overwhelmingly positive. However, a significant drawback exists: players who discarded valuable cards to obtain Trade Tokens cannot recover those losses, even with the conversion to Shinedust.
Furthermore, the implementation timeline extends into the fall, meaning the current broken system will persist for months. This could cause trading to stagnate completely as players await the update. Several game expansions may release before the trading system becomes truly functional.
Until then, hold onto that Shinedust!
