The Pokémon TCG Pocket developers have finally detailed significant improvements to the game's notoriously flawed trading system. These changes address long-standing player frustrations, offering a much-needed overhaul, although implementation is slated for a considerable timeframe.

Trading Overhaul: Farewell, Trade Tokens!

Trade tokens are being eliminated. Trading three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity cards will now require Shinedust. Shinedust is automatically awarded upon obtaining duplicate cards already registered in your Card Dex. Since Shinedust is also used for flair, the developers plan to increase its acquisition rate. This shift promises a more accessible trading experience. Existing trade tokens will be converted to Shinedust upon the update. Trading one- and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.

Further Enhancements on the Horizon

A new feature will let you specify desired trade cards within the in-game trading function. This crucial addition addresses the current system's biggest shortcoming: the inability to communicate trading preferences.

The core change removes the problematic Trade Token system. Previously, trading required discarding cards to obtain tokens, creating an unnecessarily high barrier to entry. The new Shinedust system, already in-game, offers a more streamlined approach. Shinedust is earned passively through duplicate cards and events, making trading less resource-intensive. The developers are exploring ways to increase Shinedust availability. While a cost to trading is necessary to prevent exploitation, the previous system was excessively punitive.

The ability to share desired trade cards directly within the game will dramatically improve the trading experience, encouraging interactions and facilitating more successful trades. Currently, players must communicate trade intentions outside the game, hindering spontaneous trades and limiting participation.

While the community largely welcomes these changes, a significant drawback remains: players have already sacrificed rare cards for trade tokens. Though tokens will be converted, the lost cards remain a point of frustration.

Furthermore, the update's implementation is not expected until Fall. Until then, trading is likely to remain stagnant, given the current system's unpopularity. This delay may mean several game expansions before the trading system truly functions as intended.

For now, hold onto that Shinedust!