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

Pokémon TCG Pocket's reviled trading system is finally getting a much-needed overhaul. Developers have detailed significant improvements, addressing long-standing player frustrations. While the changes sound promising, their implementation is unfortunately slated for the distant future.

A community forum post outlines the key updates:

Trading Token Removal and Shinedust Implementation

Trade tokens are being eliminated. 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 obtaining duplicate cards already registered in your Card Dex. Existing trade tokens will be converted to shinedust. Trading one- and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged. The developers acknowledge the increased shinedust demand for both trading and flair and are exploring ways to increase shinedust acquisition.

Further Development Updates

A crucial addition is the ability to specify desired trade cards within the in-game trading function.

The core change is the removal of Trade Tokens—a notoriously cumbersome system requiring players to discard cards to acquire trading currency. This often meant sacrificing multiple valuable cards for a single trade. The new shinedust system offers a far more streamlined approach, leveraging an existing in-game currency earned through duplicates and events. While a cost to trading is necessary to prevent exploitation, the previous system was prohibitively expensive for most players.

The ability to specify desired trade cards significantly improves the trading experience, facilitating more successful exchanges, especially between strangers. Previously, players could only list a card for trade without indicating desired cards in return.

The community's response to these changes is largely positive, though the loss of rare cards already sacrificed for trade tokens remains a point of concern. The conversion to shinedust doesn't recoup these lost cards.

A significant drawback is the lengthy implementation timeline—a fall release is projected. Until then, trading is likely to stagnate due to the current system's unpopularity. The game may see several expansions before the trading system truly functions as intended. For now, it's advisable to hoard shinedust.