Pokémon TCG Pocket overhauls trading following player backlash

Pokémon TCG Pocket is overhauling its trade feature following pushback from players.

The ability to trade Pokémon has been a key feature of the series since its beginnings, and in January it was finally added to the digital card collecting game. However, due to new currency and restrictions, fans heavily criticised the trading feature calling it an “insult”.

A few days later, The Pokémon Company acknowledged the backlash, admitting trading restrictions were “preventing players from being able to casually enjoy” the game.

Now, massive changes are coming to the trade feature, including the complete removal of trade tokens. Instead, trading will use Shinedust, an existing currency found simply by opening booster packs.

However, the changes will be implemented by the end of autumn 2025, so exact dates are as yet unknown.

As per the announcement, the following changes will be made:

• Trade tokens will be completely removed and players will no longer need to exchange cards to obtain the currency required for trading.
• Instead, trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will now require shinedust.
• When you open a booster pack, shinedust will be automatically earned if you obtain a card that is already registered in your Card Dex. Currently, shinedust is also required to obtain flair, so we are looking into increasing the amount offered since it will also be needed for trading. Altogether, this change should allow you to trade more cards than you could before this update.
• Trade tokens you currently own can be converted to shinedust when the item is removed from the game.
• There are no changes in how one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards are traded.

Further, a new feature will be included to allow players to share the cards they’re interested in trading in advance.

“We hope that these changes will make trading cards more accessible and allow more players to enjoy making trades,” the announcement reads.

“In addition to the changes above, we are also looking into how to accommodate cards that are currently unavailable for trades, such as promo cards and two-star rarity cards. Keep an eye out for more information about this topic in the future.”

Pokémon TCG Pocket has proven exceptionally popular since its release last October. At the recent Pokémon Presents stream, it was revealed the game has been downloaded 100m times.

The latest booster pack, Triumphant Light, was also added after the stream.

The stream additionally included a first look at gameplay from Pokémon Legends Z-A, plus the announcement of a new mobile game called Pokémon Champions that focuses solely on Pokémon battles.