Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has arrived, but instead of celebration, it's met with widespread player outrage. The trading system, already criticized last week for its restrictions, has launched to an even worse reception due to unexpectedly high resource requirements.
Social media is flooded with frustrated players pointing out the excessive demands and limitations. While the restrictions were disclosed previously, the sheer number of resources needed for each trade was cleverly obscured behind the vague phrase "items must be consumed in order to trade."
Unlike opening packs or using Wonder Pick, trading necessitates two distinct consumable items. The first is Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money).
Found a picture of the devs after the trade update!
byu/marcola42 inPTCGP
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The second item, and the primary source of controversy, is the Trade Token. Trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher requires a significant number of these tokens: 120 for a 3-Diamond card, 400 for a 1-Star card, and 500 for a 4-Diamond (ex Pokémon) card.
Trade Tokens are earned solely by discarding cards from a player's collection. The exchange rates are heavily unfavorable: a 3-Diamond card yields 25 tokens, a 1-Star card 100, a 4-Diamond card 125, a 2-Star card 300, a 3-Star immersive card 300, and a Crown gold card 1500. Lower rarity cards are worthless for trading purposes.
This system necessitates selling multiple high-value cards to trade a single card of similar or lesser value. For example, five ex Pokémon must be sold to trade one, and selling a Crown card (the rarest) only provides enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades. Even selling a 3-Star immersive art card (a key selling point of the game) is insufficient for trading a 1-Star or 4-Diamond card.
'A Monumental Failure'
Reddit posts are overflowing with negative feedback, with one post garnering over 1,000 upvotes describing the update as "an insult" and prompting players to vow to cease spending on the game. Comments echo this sentiment, labeling the system "hilariously toxic," a "monumental failure," and lamenting the loss of a "safe way for the community to connect." The 15-second exchange time for tokens further exacerbates the tediousness of the process.
what a joke of a trading system
byu/ZenGraphics_ inPTCGP
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Pay Day
Many believe the trading system is designed to boost revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which already reportedly earned $200 million in its first month before trading was implemented. The inability to trade cards of 2-Star rarity or higher further supports this theory, as readily trading for missing cards would negate the need for players to spend significant sums on packs. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.
The criticism continues, with players calling the system "predatory and downright greedy," highlighting the unsustainable nature of the token acquisition method. The requirement of three copies of a card to sell it adds another layer of frustration.
Finally Trade is here.... wait What?
byu/Tidus1117 inPTCGP
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Creatures Inc. Stays Quiet
Creatures Inc. remains silent on the overwhelmingly negative response, despite previously acknowledging player concerns. IGN has reached out for comment on the situation and whether any changes are planned.
While adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards could potentially alleviate some issues, it's more likely that Trade Stamina will be rewarded instead, mirroring the current reward system for similar mechanics.
The launch of this poorly received trading mechanic casts a shadow over the upcoming Diamond and Pearl update, introducing Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia. The negative reception poses a significant challenge to the game's future.
