Pokémon TCG Pocket's highly anticipated trading update has launched to overwhelmingly negative feedback, exceeding even the initial concerns voiced last week. Players are expressing widespread frustration on social media, citing excessive requirements and restrictive limitations. While the restrictions were previously announced, the demanding resource consumption was not fully detailed.

The trading system necessitates two distinct consumable items for each trade. The first is Trade Stamina, replenishing over time or purchasable with Poké Gold (real money). This is similar to other in-game mechanics.

The second, and more controversial, item is the Trade Token. Trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher requires a significant number of Trade Tokens: 120 for a 3 Diamond card, 400 for a 1 Star card, and 500 for a 4 Diamond (ex Pokémon) card.

Trade Tokens are acquired solely by discarding cards from a player's collection. The exchange rates are heavily weighted against the player, requiring the disposal of multiple high-rarity cards to obtain enough tokens for a single trade. For instance, five ex Pokémon must be sold to trade one, and selling a Crown rarity card (the rarest in the game) only yields enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades. Lower rarity cards are worthless for trading.

Overwhelming Negative Reaction

The community's response has been overwhelmingly critical. Reddit posts expressing outrage have garnered thousands of upvotes, with players labeling the system "an insult," "hilariously toxic," and a "monumental failure." Many players are vowing to cease spending on the game, highlighting the perceived greed and the impracticality of the trading mechanic. The lengthy process of selling cards for tokens, approximately 15 seconds per transaction, further exacerbates the issue. Suggestions to rename the game, given the impractical trading system, are prevalent.

Profit Motive Suspected

The trading system is widely seen as a blatant revenue-generating tactic, especially considering the game's estimated $200 million revenue in its first month before the trading feature. The inability to trade 2-Star rarity cards or higher reinforces this suspicion, as readily trading for missing cards would reduce the incentive for players to purchase packs. One player reported spending approximately $1,500 to complete the first set.

The high cost and limited methods of obtaining Trade Tokens have been described as "predatory and downright greedy." The requirement of three copies of a card before it can be sold further hinders the trading process.

Creatures Inc.'s Silence

Creatures Inc. has remained silent on the widespread criticism, a departure from their previous response to initial concerns. Their earlier statement, promising to address feedback after the update's launch, has proven to be inadequate. IGN has reached out to Creatures Inc. for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Potential improvements, such as adding Trade Tokens as mission rewards, have been suggested. However, it's more likely that Trade Stamina will be included in future rewards, given the pattern of similar rewards in the past. The launch of this poorly received mechanic casts a shadow on the upcoming update introducing Diamond and Pearl Pokémon.