The recent update to Pokemon TCG Pocket has stirred quite a reaction among its players, particularly regarding the new trading feature. DeNA, the developers behind the game, have acknowledged the backlash and promised improvements in a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated February 1, 2025. The trading system, introduced on January 29, 2025, allows players to trade cards from the Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs, specifically 1-4 Diamond and 1-Star rarity cards. While this feature was eagerly awaited, the restrictions and high costs associated with it have not sat well with the community.
The main grievance players have is the cost of trade tokens, which are essential for utilizing the trading feature. These tokens can only be acquired by sacrificing higher rarity cards, a process that players find too expensive. For example, trading a 4-Diamond card, such as an ex Pokemon, requires 500 tokens. However, players can only gain 100 tokens for a 1-Star card and 300 for 2-Star and 3-Star immersive cards, which are rarer than a 4-Diamond card. This system forces players to "burn" their rare or multiple cards just to engage in trades.
In response, DeNA has promised to explore multiple ways to obtain trade tokens, including through event distributions. They also clarified that the stringent rules and high costs are in place to prevent abuse by bots and other prohibited actions across multiple accounts. "The item requirements and restrictions implemented for the trading feature were designed to prevent abuse from bots and other prohibited actions using multiple accounts," DeNA explained. "Our goal was to balance the game while maintaining a fair environment for all players and preserving the fun of collecting cards that is core to the Pokemon TCG Pocket experience."
While further changes to the trading feature are yet to be announced, it's clear that DeNA is taking steps to address the community's concerns and ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
Genetic Apex Seemingly Disappears After Space-Time Smackdown’s Release
Another issue that has surfaced is the apparent disappearance of the Genetic Apex booster packs following the release of the Space-Time Smackdown booster packs on January 29, 2025. Some players expressed concern on Reddit that the Genetic Apex packs were no longer available, as the home screen only displayed the Mythical Island and Space-Time Smackdown packs.
However, this is not the case. Players can still access the Genetic Apex packs by navigating to the pack selection screen at the bottom right corner, labeled "Select other booster packs." The text is small and easy to miss, which explains the confusion among players. Some have speculated that this design choice might be intentional to encourage players to open the newer packs, though it's clear that not everyone has completed their collections from the first booster pack.
Suggestions have been made for DeNA to update the home screen to display all three booster pack sets to prevent further confusion. While DeNA has not yet addressed this issue, it's hoped that this clarification will help players continue their journey to complete the Genetic Apex booster packs.
