Pokémon Digital Card Game Prompts Backlash, Influencing Future Features

Pokemon TCG Pocket: Trading Feature Overhaul Prompted by Player Backlash

DeNA, the developer of Pokemon TCG Pocket, has pledged to revamp the game's trading system following significant player criticism. The controversy centers around the high cost and restrictive nature of the recently implemented trading feature.

High Cost of Trade Tokens Fuels Player Frustration

Introduced on January 29th, 2025, the trading feature allows exchanges of 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star rarity cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs. While beneficial for Pokedex completion, the limitations – specifically the restricted card selection, introduction of a new in-game currency (trade tokens), and exorbitant trading costs – sparked widespread discontent.

DeNA acknowledged the negative feedback on February 1st, 2025, via a Twitter (X) post, stating they are actively working on improvements. Key changes include exploring alternative ways to acquire trade tokens, potentially through in-game events. Currently, obtaining sufficient tokens requires sacrificing higher-rarity cards, creating an unsustainable loop for many players. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card demands 500 tokens, while selling a 1-Star card yields only 100.

DeNA justified the initial restrictions as a measure to combat bot activity and multi-account exploitation, aiming to maintain a fair and enjoyable card-collecting experience.

Genetic Apex Booster Pack Accessibility Concerns

The release of the Space-Time Smackdown booster packs on January 29th, 2025, also generated controversy. Some players mistakenly believed the Genetic Apex packs had been removed from the game due to their absence from the main screen. This was clarified as a user interface issue; the older packs remain accessible via a less prominent "Select other booster packs" option.

While understandable from a marketing perspective, the poor visibility of the pack selection option caused unnecessary anxiety among players who hadn't completed the Genetic Apex set. Players have suggested improving the home screen display to avoid future misunderstandings. DeNA has yet to directly address this UI issue.