Trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket explained: Confirmed changes incoming

So what is the trading method in Pokémon TCG Pocket? And why has it proven immediately unpopular?

We've laid out everything you need to know about the feature below.

Pokémon TCG Pocket confirmed changes

Following the implementation of its new trading system, Pokémon TCG Pocket received some backlash from players.

This was mainly due to the complications and limited capacity surrounding the feature. Publisher Creatures Inc released a message to fans subsequently, two days after trading was added.

The full statement can be read below:

"Since releasing the first iteration of the trading feature a few days ago, we have received a large number of comments. Thank you all for sharing your feedback.

"The item requirements and restrictions implemented for the trading feature were designed to prevent abuse from bots and other prohibited actions using multiple accounts. Our goal was to balance the game while maintaining a fair environment for all players and preserving the fun of collecting cards that is core to the Pokémon TCG Pocket experience.

"However, thanks to your feedback, we understand that some of the restrictions put in place are preventing players from being able to casually enjoy the feature as intended. We are actively investigating ways to improve the feature to address these concerns. Going forward, we also plan to offer multiple ways to obtain trade tokens including through event distributions.

"As always, thank you for being part of the Pokémon TCG Pocket community."

Anyone who logs into Pokémon TCG will currently receive a bunch of Trade Tokens that will let you conduct a free trade up to the highest card tier.

Trading update release date for Pokémon TCG Pocket confirmed

The release date of the trading update in Pokémon TCG Pocket was Wednesday 29th January 2025.

After originally being revealed upon the game's initial announcement, it was then confirmed in mid-January that trading would arrive in-game.

Pokémon TCG Pocket's rules for trading

Here's everything there is to know about trading before the incoming changes are implemented.

• Trades can be done between friends
• Trades can be done with cards of the same rarity
• At the time of the trade feature's launch, certain cards from the Genetic Apex and Mythical Island booster packs will be able to be traded. We are planning to continue to expand the selection of booster packs that you can trade from
• Cards with a rarity of 1-Diamond to 4-Diamond and 1-Star can be traded
• Trade Tokens and Trade Hourglasses must be consumed in order to trade

Being limited to only trading cards of the same rarity isn't too big of a surprise for Pokémon TCGP's trading feature, since that will prevent players from exploiting it.

However, being locked between only being able to trade Diamond-rare cards and 1-Star rare cards from launch is unexpected, since that technically prevents players from trading Promo-A cards, which are considered as their own rarity outside of that range.

The 1-Star rare limit also means that while you'll be able to trade rare full-art cards, like Bulbasaur (A1 227/226) or Marshadow (A1a 074/068), you'll be blocked from trading harder-to-find cards like the 3-Star Pikachu ex (A1 281/226) or the Golden Crown-rare Charizard ex (A1 284/226).

Players then need to use trade tokens and trade hourglasses, which are gained by exchanging cards and waiting for a specific amount of time, respectively.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket Team stated that it would "continue to monitor player feedback and assess future updates to the trade feature," so they'll hopefully widen the pool of tradable cards further down the line.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is available across iOS and Android devices.

Read more on Pokémon:

• Pokémon Go Raids schedule - upcoming battles
• Best Pokémon gifts - the greatest merch
• Best Pokémon games on Switch - our ranking
• Best shiny Pokémon - the coolest creatures
• Best Dragon-type Pokémon - who's your fave?
• All cat Pokémon - the felines to catch
• Pokémon natures guide - all you need to know
• Pokémon type chart - strengths and weaknesses explained
• Legendary Pokémon - the full list
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet cheats - handy hacks
• Pokémon Emerald cheats - what you need to know
• Pokémon Fire Red cheats - all codes
• Pokémon Go friend codes - and how to find them
• Pokémon games in order - where to start

Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.