Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has launched to overwhelmingly negative feedback, exceeding even the initial concerns expressed last week. Players are flooding social media with complaints, citing excessive requirements and restrictive limitations. While the restrictions were previously announced, the demanding resource consumption was only vaguely hinted at.

The trading system necessitates two distinct consumable items per trade. First, players need Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money).

The second, and more controversial, requirement is Trade Tokens. These tokens are needed to trade cards of 3 Diamonds or higher rarity:

• 3 Diamond card: 120 Trade Tokens
• 1 Star card: 400 Trade Tokens
• 4 Diamond card (ex Pokémon): 500 Trade Tokens

Trade Tokens are acquired solely by discarding cards from a player's collection, with varying token yields based on card rarity. This creates a highly inefficient system, forcing players to sacrifice valuable cards to enable trading. For instance, trading a single ex Pokémon requires discarding five others. Even selling a Crown rarity card (the rarest in the game) only yields enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades. Lower rarity cards are worthless for trading and token acquisition.

Overwhelming Negative Reaction

The player response has been overwhelmingly critical. Reddit posts expressing outrage have garnered thousands of upvotes, with players calling the update "an insult," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure." Many players are vowing to cease spending on the game. The 15-second processing time for each card exchange further exacerbates the frustration. Several commenters suggest the game's title should be changed to reflect the limited trading functionality.

Revenue Generation Concerns

Many players believe the trading system is designed primarily to boost revenue, especially considering the game's estimated $200 million first-month earnings before the trading update. The inability to trade higher-rarity cards directly reinforces this suspicion, as it forces players to purchase packs repeatedly to obtain desired cards. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.

Creatures Inc.'s Silence

Creatures Inc. has remained silent on the widespread criticism, despite previously acknowledging concerns before the update's launch. IGN has reached out for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Potential improvements suggested by players include adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards. However, it's more likely that Trade Stamina will be included in future rewards, given the precedent of similar stamina-based items in previous updates.

The poorly received trading update casts a shadow on the upcoming Diamond and Pearl expansion, introducing Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia. The current system's negative impact on player satisfaction could significantly affect the game's long-term success.