Pokemon TCG Pocket developer DeNA pledges to revamp its trading system following player criticism. Discover what triggered the community's dissatisfaction with the current mechanics.

Community Backlash Against Pokemon TCG Pocket's Recent Trading Update

Obtaining Trade Tokens Proves Costly for Players

The launch of Pokemon TCG Pocket's trading system on January 29, 2025 sparked widespread disappointment among players, leading developer DeNA to announce upcoming modifications in a February 1 Twitter statement.

While the feature enables exchanges of 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star rarity cards from Genetic Apex and Mythical Island boosters, players voiced frustration over its limitations - including card selection constraints, a new currency requirement, and steep trading costs - despite its potential to help complete Pokédex collections.

Addressing concerns, DeNA confirmed they're exploring solutions: "We're evaluating multiple acquisition methods for trade tokens, including special events." Presently restricted to 1-Star exchanges, the system requires sacrificing higher-value cards to generate tokens - a contentious mechanic.

The current economy demands 500 tokens for a 4-Diamond card trade, while players receive only 100 tokens for a 1-Star card or 300 for rarer 2-3 Star cards. This imbalance forces collectors to dismantle valuable collections for basic trading functionality.

DeNA defended their initial design: "These restrictions combat bot abuse and multi-account exploitation while preserving game balance and the core card-collecting experience." The team continues evaluating additional safeguards before implementing system revisions.

Genetic Apex Boosters Become Less Visible After New Release

The January 29 Space-Time Smackdown release triggered secondary concerns as Genetic Apex boosters vanished from the main menu, replaced by Mythical Island and the new set. Reddit threads buzzed with speculation about the original set's discontinuation.

In reality, players can access all three sets through the unobtrusive "Select other booster packs" option in the bottom-right corner. The small interface element's poor visibility created understandable confusion among collectors still completing their Genetic Apex collections.

While some suspect intentional promotion of newer sets, community members advocate for clearer booster pack visibility. Players confirm Genetic Apex remains available through hourglass purchases, suggesting interface improvements could prevent future misunderstandings.