Pokémon TCG Pocket's reviled trading system is finally getting a much-needed overhaul, promising significant improvements. While the changes sound fantastic, the lengthy implementation timeline is a significant drawback.
In a recent community forum post, developers detailed the upcoming changes:
Trading Token Removal
Trade tokens are being eliminated. Trading three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity cards will now require Shinedust. Shinedust is automatically earned when opening booster packs containing cards already registered in your Card Dex. As Shinedust is also used for flair, increased rewards are planned. This change should significantly increase trading frequency. Existing Trade Tokens will be converted to Shinedust upon removal. Trading one- and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.
Additional Upcoming Updates
A feature allowing players to specify desired trade cards within the in-game trading function is in development.
The core change removes the cumbersome Trade Token system. This system, requiring the discarding of cards to obtain tokens for trading, made trading incredibly inefficient and discouraging. For example, trading one EX Pokémon previously demanded sacrificing five others.
The new Shinedust system offers a much-needed improvement. Shinedust, already used for card flair, is acquired automatically from duplicate cards and through events. Many players likely have a surplus, and developers are exploring ways to increase availability further. While some trading cost is necessary to prevent exploitation (creating multiple accounts to farm starting packs and trade rares), the Trade Token system was excessively punitive.
Another crucial addition is the ability to specify desired trade cards. Currently, players can only list cards for trade, leaving potential partners to guess their preferences. This severely hampered trading, especially with strangers. The new feature should facilitate more successful trades.
Community reception to these changes has been overwhelmingly positive. However, a major downside remains: the significant number of rare cards already sacrificed for Trade Tokens are irretrievable, even with the conversion to Shinedust.
Furthermore, implementation is slated for Fall, meaning a prolonged period of severely hampered trading is likely. With the current system's unpopularity, trading activity will likely plummet until the update. This could mean several expansions before the "Trading" in "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket" truly functions as intended.
For now, hold onto your Shinedust!
