Pokémon TCG Pocket is set to make sweeping changes to its most controversial feature.
One of the game’s key mechanics is set for a sweeping change following player backlash. The game’s trading feature, which allows players to swap cards with each other, is set to do away with its controversial in-game currency in place of a new system making use of a separate currency players have already been collecting from the beginning of the game.
A blog post on the official Pokemon forums states that when the update rolls out, trade tokens, the controversial currency which was required to trade cards, will be completely removed from the game.
“Instead, trading cards of three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity will now require shinedust,” the post reads. Shinedust is a currency that players have been earning since the inception of the game, and is currently used to obtain special flairs on cards.
Trade tokens players currently own will be converted to shinedust when the update rolls out. While no specific date for the changes to trading has been announced, The Pokémon Company claims it will be implemented “by the end of Autumn 2025.”
The blog post also announced that an in game feature that allows players to “share cards you’re interested in trading for” will be introduced at some point, however no timeframe was given for that.
Promo cards and two-star rarity cards, which currently can’t be traded, may become tradeable in the future, according to the blog post.
The Pokémon Company has said it has no plans to add Pokémon TCG Pocket to the roster of competitive Pokémon games.
“We’re always looking at different titles,” said Chris Brown, The Pokemon Company director of global esports, during an interview with VGC.
“Pokemon Sleep is out there too,” said Brown, laughing. Last April, The Pokemon Company released a parody trailer for the Pokemon Sleep Champion Tournament to celebrate April Fool’s Day.
“But at this time there are no plans for Pokemon Pocket to join, but we’re always looking at things.”
