The approach that Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket is adopting in relation to trading, what should be one of its most central features, paints a remarkably negative picture of what the mechanic might look like when it is finally implemented. Although Pokémon TCG Pocket is still a functional game without trading, its absence can be felt at times. However, while the upcoming addition of trading could bring a marked improvement to the title, it could unfortunately also prove to be a disappointment.
Negotiation is arguably the most notable absence in Pokémon TCG Pocketcurrent form, although other aspects of the game may also be unsatisfactory. For example, Pokémon TCG PocketThe battle mix is unbalanced, with high-power decks becoming ubiquitous and there is no way for people to avoid playing against them. Pokémon TCG Pocket It also hasn't fixed other issues with lackluster features, which does little to inspire confidence in trading implementation when it arrives.
Pokémon TCG Pocket's lack of trading is frustrating
Could leave a notable gap in gameplay for collectors
As the number of missing cards in a collection decreases, It's getting easier and easier for people to repeatedly get the same cards in booster packs. This can leave some spaces in a set empty for a long time, depending on luck. Naturally, the cards most likely to be affected by this will be the rarer cards like Pokémon EX and Secret Rares, as there are far fewer opportunities to get at least one from a booster pack. Additionally, getting duplicates of these is just as likely as getting any other card of the same rarity.
Trading can be a perfect solution for thisespecially since many other players will likely have complementary slots in their own collections. But since the feature has been missing for months since the game's release, this fact only makes the current lack of negotiation more frustrating for those who are in such a position. It seems strange that the game was released without what would logically be a core feature, and the weight of its absence is only growing for those who would potentially benefit from it.
Considering there are a relatively small number of cards available in the game currently, especially compared to the original, it's no surprise that there are equally few strong card combinations. Pokémon TCG Pocket cards. At the same time, though, the synergies that have started to emerge can easily dominate a game, making it worth building a deck around them if possible. Of course, getting any card is a matter of luck, but in the end unlucky players can easily find themselves with a surplus of cards that they simply cannot win battles with.
A trading feature may not be worth the wait
What is known about the Pokémon TCG Pocket trade is discouraging
Notably, a letter published in Pokémonofficial forums in November 2024 by admin TPCi_Krowbar states that negotiation is expected to be introduced in January 2025. Naturally, the fact that a trading card game doesn't allow people to trade cards isn't ideal. The delay means people have spent months playing without this feature, and there's no real guarantee it will be ready in time for the January launch. Furthermore, it was indicated that not all cards will be tradable, with specific limiting factors being unknown.
Although this card also assures readers that the number of tradeable cards will increase over time, It's still unclear why people won't be able to simply trade as they wish. It may be that cards purchased with Premium Tickets will be restricted from trading to preserve one of the main selling points for Pokémon TCG PocketPremium Pass subscription. However, the restrictions may still be broader and in any case may go against the spirit of a trading card game.
Whether the deal comes in January or later in the year, there's a good chance it won't be worth the wait. The potential limitations alone could greatly hamper its applications, but the more time players have to collect cards from free boosters, the less likely they will need to trade, at least for the contents of the first few sets. Of course, there are many expansions and upcoming events to look forward to. Pokémon TCG Pocket in progress, which will naturally increase the number of desirable cards once again.
Trading Cards Can Be a Useless Mechanic in Pokémon TCGP
Other mechanics can now be seen as replacements for negotiation
The recent Mythical Island The expansion introduced powerful new cards, and future sets will no doubt have a similar impact on the game. However, until now, trading has not been available to help people acquire such cards, and so people are getting used to playing without them. As a result, Even when trading is introduced, many players will be used to collecting cards without itwhich can make the feature seem superfluous. This will be especially true if your restrictions make it difficult to trade and obtain rarer cards.
It's also important to note that Pack Points already offer a strong alternative to trading. Of course, those who save specifically for the game's Secret Rares may still appreciate the opportunity to trade for less rare cards, but at the same time they will have plenty of opportunities to find them in person by opening packs. Likewise, Wonder Picks also offer the chance to win these rare cards when they appear in another player's boosters, effectively increasing the chances of getting a target card to one in five.
Ultimately, there is little reason to expect trading to be added to the Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocketa worrying prospect for a feature referenced in the game's title itself. For those less invested in collecting each Secret Rare, Pack Points alone can offset the need to trade, and Wonder Picks offer more opportunities to get the latest cards for a complete collection. Furthermore, the fact that the game places restrictions on the cards that can be traded only further diminishes the appeal of the feature in the minds of many.
Source: TPCi_Krowbar/Pokémon Forums