Trading is a core aspect of any TCG, as the name suggests: Trading Card Game. So, it’s no surprise that Pokemon Pocket launched with a built-in “Trade” option in its Social Hub. However, clicking on it currently leads to a message saying, “This feature will be available in a future update.” Now, we know when that “future update” will arrive.
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Pokemon TCG Pocket Confirms Addition of Highly Requested Feature
Pokemon TCG Pocket reveals a roadmap of content over the next few months, including plans to finally add a highly requested feature.
When Pokemon TCG Pocket was first introduced, the developers emphasized its focus on social features, positioning Pocket as a more community-driven experience compared to the competitive Pokemon TCG Live. The devs promised an immersive environment for collecting, showcasing, and trading Pokemon cards, and with the game’s growing player base, it seems they’re now ready to deliver on that promise.
Trading Is Coming to Pokemon Pocket This January
In a Twitter post, Pokemon TCG Pocket’s developer, DeNA, revealed that the currently locked Trade feature will be available in January 2025. This announcement came shortly after Pocket reached a milestone of over 30 million players worldwide. The post mentioned that trading will be expanded, though it will start with limited features.
Fans reacted positively to this news, eagerly awaiting the addition of trading. However, the announcement provided only basic details, leaving some aspects unexplained. For example, it’s unclear which cards will be tradable or what currencies, if any, will be required for trades.
What We Know About Trades in Pokemon Pocket
- Trading becomes available in January 2025.
- You can only trade specific cards.
- More cards will become tradable in the future.
Pokemon TCG Pocket’s official announcement states that the developers are aiming to add a feature allowing certain cards to be traded starting in January 2025, with plans to gradually expand the selection of tradable cards.
What remains unclear are the regulations, limitations, and specifics of the trading mechanics. Players are curious if the trades will resemble those in Pokemon GO, which involve factors like friendship level and resources like Stardust, or if Pocket will introduce a completely new system.
While Pokemon Pocket has been compared to Marvel Snap for features like Flairs, Marvel Snap lacks a trading mechanic, requiring players to acquire cards independently. Given this, Pokemon Pocket may draw inspiration from other successful games, as few TCGs have successfully implemented safe and constructive trading systems.
Speculations About Pokemon Pocket’s Trade
Here are some speculations that may provide insight into the card exchange system in Pokemon Pocket.
Trading Will Require a Resource
Unless Pocket introduces a new currency, Shinedust and Pack Points are the likeliest trade currency candidates. It’s improbable that a gacha game like Pokemon Pocket will allow unlimited or free trades. Instead, it will probably repurpose an existing currency or introduce a new one, similar to how Stardust is required for trading in Pokemon GO.
You Won’t Be Able to Trade Crown Rarity Cards
This isn’t surprising, as most TCGs restrict the rarest cards from being traded. Pokemon Pocket will likely either limit the crown rarity cards’ trades or prevent trading them entirely to maintain their exclusivity.
There Will Be a Daily Trade Limit
In Pokemon GO, there’s a cap on how many trades you can make each day. Pokemon Pocket is likely to adopt a similar strategy, possibly with even more restrictive limits, considering its current smaller card roster compared with Pokemon GO.
It’s a good idea to save up your rare cards for now so you can trade them for any missing cards once the trade feature goes live. It’s also essential to befriend whales or collectors, as they’ll provide better trading options right from the start.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA , Creatures Inc.
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer