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, promising a smoother, more enjoyable trading experience. However, the implementation timeline suggests a lengthy wait.

The developers outlined the changes in a community forum post:

Trading Token Removal and Shinedust Integration

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 earned automatically when obtaining duplicate cards already registered in your Card Dex. Existing trade tokens will be converted to shinedust. One- and two-diamond rarity card trading remains unchanged. With increased shinedust acquisition planned, trading should become significantly easier.

Further Development Updates

A new feature allowing players to specify desired trade cards within the in-game trading function is in development.

The core issue—the cumbersome trade token system—is being addressed. Currently, trading requires discarding cards to obtain tokens, making the process overly expensive and discouraging. The shift to shinedust, earned passively through duplicates, offers a far more efficient and accessible alternative. While a cost is necessary to prevent exploitation, the previous system was excessively punitive.

The addition of a card-sharing feature will allow players to indicate desired cards for trades, encouraging more effective and fair trades, especially among strangers. This feature alone should dramatically improve the trading experience.

Community reaction to these announced changes has been largely positive. However, the significant drawback is the irretrievable loss of rare cards already sacrificed for trade tokens. While conversion to shinedust mitigates this somewhat, the lost cards remain a point of frustration.

The biggest hurdle is the delayed implementation; these improvements are not expected until fall. This interim period may see trading grind to a halt, as the current system is widely disliked. The game may see several expansions before the trading system truly functions as intended.

For now, it's advisable to stockpile shinedust.