Pokémon TCG Mobile Launch Met with Backlash

Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has arrived, but instead of celebration, it's met with widespread player outrage. The trading system, criticized last week for its restrictions, has launched to an even worse reception due to unexpectedly high requirements.

Social media is flooded with complaints about the excessive demands and limitations. While the restrictions were previously disclosed, the sheer number of resources needed for each trade was downplayed. Trading necessitates two distinct consumable items: Trade Stamina and Trade Tokens.

Trade Stamina, similar to other in-game mechanics, replenishes over time or can be purchased with Poké Gold (real money).

Trade Tokens: The Source of Controversy

The real issue lies with Trade Tokens, required for trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher rarity. The costs are staggering:

• 3 Diamond card: 120 Trade Tokens
• 1 Star card: 400 Trade Tokens
• 4 Diamond (ex Pokémon) card: 500 Trade Tokens

Trade Tokens are earned solely by discarding cards from your collection, with the following exchange rates:

• 3 Diamond card: 25 Trade Tokens
• 1 Star card: 100 Trade Tokens
• 4 Diamond card: 125 Trade Tokens
• 2 Star card: 300 Trade Tokens
• 3 Star Immersive card: 300 Trade Tokens
• Crown Gold card: 1500 Trade Tokens

Lower rarity cards are worthless for trading and don't require tokens. This means players must essentially sell multiple high-value cards to trade even a single one of similar or lower rarity. For example, trading one ex Pokémon requires selling five, and selling a Crown card (the rarest) only yields enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades. Even selling a 3-Star Immersive card—a key selling point of the game—doesn't provide enough tokens for a 1-Star or 4-Diamond trade.

Overwhelming Negative Feedback

Reddit posts are rife with scathing criticism, with players labeling the update a "monumental failure," "hilariously toxic," and an "insult." Many players, citing the excessive greed, have vowed to stop spending money on the game. The 15-second exchange time for tokens further exacerbates the problem, turning a simple trade into a lengthy process. Some even suggest renaming the game, given the impractical trading system.

Profit Motive Suspected

Many believe the trading system is designed to maximize revenue, especially considering the game's estimated $200 million in revenue during its first month before trading was implemented. The inability to easily trade high-rarity cards ensures players continue purchasing packs for a chance at obtaining them. One player reported spending approximately $1500 to complete the first set.

The lack of alternative methods for acquiring Trade Tokens fuels the outrage. Players can only obtain them through discarding cards, and even then, the conversion rates are incredibly unfavorable.

Creatures Inc.'s Silence

Creatures Inc. remains silent on the backlash, despite previously acknowledging player concerns. IGN has reached out for comment, but a response is pending. While adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards could alleviate the issue, it's more likely that Trade Stamina will be rewarded instead, given the precedent set by similar in-game resources.

The poorly received trading update casts a shadow over the upcoming Diamond and Pearl update, introducing Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia. The current situation highlights a significant misstep for a game on the cusp of its next major content release.