Pokemon TCG Pocket: Trading Feature Enhancements Amid Backlash

DeNA, the developers behind Pokemon TCG Pocket, have responded to widespread player dissatisfaction with the game's trading feature, promising significant changes following a recent update. Here's a closer look at why players voiced their concerns and what DeNA plans to do about it.

Pokemon TCG Pocket Players’ Complaints About the Game’s Latest Update

TCG Pocket’s Trade Tokens are Quite Expensive to Obtain

The trading feature, introduced on January 29, 2025, was highly anticipated by players eager to trade cards from the Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. However, the feature's implementation has not met player expectations due to stringent restrictions and the high cost of trade tokens. These tokens, necessary for trading, are only obtainable by sacrificing higher rarity cards, which many players find frustrating and costly.

In response to the backlash, DeNA announced on February 1, 2025, via Twitter (X) that they are "actively investigating ways to improve the feature to address these concerns." They plan to introduce multiple methods for obtaining trade tokens, including event distributions, to make the trading system more accessible and enjoyable.

DeNA also clarified the rationale behind the trading system's strict rules, stating that "the item requirements and restrictions implemented for the trading feature were designed to prevent abuse from bots and other prohibited actions using multiple accounts." Their aim is to maintain a balanced and fair environment while preserving the essence of card collecting that defines the Pokemon TCG Pocket experience.

While further details on changes to the trading feature remain undisclosed, DeNA is likely taking steps to address potential cheating and system exploitation before rolling out an update.

Genetic Apex Seemingly Disappears After Space-Time Smackdown’s Release

Another issue surfaced with the release of the Space-Time Smackdown booster packs on January 29, 2025. Players expressed confusion and concern on Reddit, believing that the Genetic Apex booster packs had vanished from the game. However, the packs are still accessible; players simply need to navigate to the "Select other booster packs" option at the bottom right corner of the pack selection screen.

While the confusion might be due to poor user interface design, some players speculate that it could be a deliberate marketing strategy to encourage the opening of newer packs. Nonetheless, many fans have yet to complete their collections from the Genetic Apex set and have suggested that DeNA update the home screen to display all available booster packs to prevent future confusion.

DeNA has not yet addressed this issue directly, but this clarification should help players continue their efforts to complete the Genetic Apex booster packs using their time and hourglasses.