Pokémon TCG Pocket Confirms Changes to Much-Loathed Trading System Are Coming... Eventually

Pokémon TCG Pocket's much-maligned trading system is finally getting a major overhaul, addressing player complaints about its cumbersome mechanics. While the improvements sound promising, their implementation is unfortunately slated for the distant future.

In a recent community forum post, developers outlined the upcoming changes:

Trading Token Removal and Shinedust Implementation

Trade tokens are being completely removed. Trading three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity cards will now require shinedust, a currency already in the game. Shinedust is automatically earned when opening booster packs containing cards already in your Card Dex. Since shinedust is also used for flair, the developers plan to increase its availability. This change should significantly increase trading volume. Existing trade tokens will be converted to shinedust. Trading one- and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.

Additional Upcoming Features

A new feature will let players specify the cards they're seeking in trades via the in-game trading function.

The core change eliminates the unpopular Trade Tokens. These tokens, previously essential for trading, were obtained by discarding existing cards—a process widely criticized for its inefficiency and cost. For example, trading one EX Pokémon required discarding five others to acquire sufficient tokens.

The new shinedust system is a significant improvement. Shinedust, used for card flairs, is earned passively through duplicate cards and events. Many players likely already possess a substantial amount. The developers plan to increase shinedust acquisition to facilitate trading. While some cost is necessary to prevent account manipulation (creating multiple accounts to farm cards and trade them to a main account), the old system was excessively punitive.

Another key improvement is the ability to specify desired trade cards. Currently, players can only list cards for trade without indicating desired cards in return, hindering trades, especially with strangers. This new feature should greatly improve trading efficiency.

Community feedback on these changes has been largely positive. However, a significant drawback is the irretrievable loss of rare cards already sacrificed for trade tokens. While conversion to shinedust is offered, the cards themselves are gone.

Furthermore, these changes won't be implemented until Fall. This delay likely means trading will stagnate until then, as the current system is unappealing. Several expansions may pass before the trading aspect of Pokémon TCG Pocket truly functions as intended. For now, hold onto your shinedust!