Pokémon TCG Pocket Trading Restrictions Spark Outrage Among Fans

TOKYO, Japan — Pokémon TCG Pocket, the hit mobile adaptation of the popular trading card game, has unveiled its long-awaited trading feature, but the announcement has been met with widespread criticism from its player base. The feature, set to launch later this month, comes with stringent restrictions that limit which cards can be traded and how often players can engage in exchanges.

Creatures Inc., the developer behind the game, revealed that only one-star rarity cards and below will be tradeable. This means players cannot trade higher-rarity cards, including two-star, three-star, and crown rarity cards, such as the coveted gold Charizard Ex. Additionally, trading will be limited to cards from the Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs, with newer sets excluded from the feature upon release.

“Only certain cards from the Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs will be able to be traded,” Creatures Inc. stated in its announcement. However, the company did not clarify whether this restriction applies solely to the two-star rarity limit or if additional cards are excluded.

Further complicating matters, trading will require players to consume in-game items, such as Hourglasses or Shinedust, which are used to pace gameplay features. This has led to speculation that players will need to spend real-world money to trade more frequently. “Items must be consumed in order to trade,” the announcement noted, though specifics on how this mechanic will function remain unclear.

The restrictions have sparked outrage among the game’s community, particularly among dedicated players who have spent months collecting rare cards. “Not being able to trade 2 Star at least really makes me want to drop the game,” said one player, lilgalois, on social media. Another user, Ashamed-Teaching6837, called the system “trash,” while Analogmon lamented, “So extra 3 Star cards are just dead cards. What a crock.”

Creatures Inc. responded to the backlash in a follow-up statement, acknowledging the community’s concerns. “Thank you, everyone, for your immediate thoughts on this topic,” the company said. “Your concerns are seen. Once this feature becomes available, I’d like to invite everyone to try it and provide feedback. This way, the game can continue to evolve in an enjoyable way for everyone.” However, the statement stopped short of promising any changes to the system.

Pokémon TCG Pocket, which launched on October 30, 2024, follows a free-to-play model that encourages in-game spending. Players can purchase PokéGold, the game’s premium currency, to accelerate pack openings and other features. Completing the first set of cards, Genetic Apex, which includes 226 standard cards and 60 rare alternate art cards, has proven costly for some players. One player reportedly spent $1,500 to complete the set, highlighting the challenges of obtaining high-rarity cards.

The trading feature was initially seen as a potential solution for players struggling to complete their collections. However, the announced restrictions have dashed those hopes. “If you’re keeping same rarity, then allow all rarities. Please,” said Pokémon YouTuber Austin John Plays, echoing the sentiments of many fans.

As the trading feature’s launch approaches, the Pokémon TCG Pocket community remains divided. While some players are eager to test the new system, others are skeptical about its limitations and the potential for increased monetization. Whether Creatures Inc. will adjust the feature based on player feedback remains to be seen.