Pokémon TCG Pocket, a digital card collecting game, has recently announced significant changes to its trading feature in response to player feedback. The ability to trade Pokémon has always been a core aspect of the Pokémon series, but when it was introduced to Pokémon TCG Pocket in January, fans were quick to criticize the new system. The use of trade tokens and restrictions hindered the trading experience, leading to widespread discontent among players who found the feature to be lacking and frustrating.
Acknowledging the backlash, The Pokémon Company admitted that the trading restrictions were preventing players from fully enjoying the game. In response, the game developers have decided to revamp the trade feature by completely removing trade tokens and introducing a new currency called Shinedust. This currency can be earned simply by opening booster packs, eliminating the need to exchange cards to obtain the currency required for trading. These changes are set to be implemented by the end of autumn 2025, although specific dates have not yet been announced.
### Removing Trade Tokens and Introducing Shinedust
Under the new system, trading cards of specific rarities will now require Shinedust instead of trade tokens. Cards with three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will be tradable using Shinedust, making the trading process more streamlined and accessible for players. Additionally, players will automatically earn Shinedust when they obtain a card that is already registered in their Card Dex while opening booster packs. This change aims to increase the number of cards that players can trade, enhancing the overall trading experience within the game.
Players who currently own trade tokens will have the option to convert them to Shinedust once the item is phased out of the game. Furthermore, a new feature will be introduced to allow players to showcase the cards they are interested in trading in advance. These alterations are designed to make trading cards more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of players, fostering a more engaging and dynamic trading community within Pokémon TCG Pocket.
### Future Developments and Expansion
In addition to the changes mentioned above, the developers are also exploring ways to accommodate cards that are currently unavailable for trading, such as promo cards and two-star rarity cards. More information on this topic is expected to be released in the future, indicating a commitment to ongoing improvements and expansions within the game.
Since its release in October, Pokémon TCG Pocket has garnered immense popularity, with over 100 million downloads as announced during a recent Pokémon Presents stream. The introduction of the latest booster pack, Triumphant Light, further solidified the game’s appeal among players. The stream also offered a sneak peek at gameplay from Pokémon Legends Z-A and unveiled a new mobile game titled Pokémon Champions, focusing exclusively on Pokémon battles. These developments showcase the continued evolution and diversification of the Pokémon gaming universe, providing fans with new and exciting experiences to look forward to.
By addressing player concerns and implementing innovative changes, Pokémon TCG Pocket is poised to enhance the trading experience for its community of players. The removal of trade tokens, the introduction of Shinedust, and the promise of future updates demonstrate the developers’ commitment to creating a dynamic and engaging environment for Pokémon enthusiasts to trade and collect their favorite cards. As the game continues to evolve and expand, players can anticipate a more accessible and enjoyable trading system that encourages greater interaction and involvement within the Pokémon TCG Pocket community.
