Trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Everything You Need to Know About the Highly Anticipated Feature
3 Key Takeaways:
- Trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket is confirmed to launch in January 2025, with gradual expansions to the system over time.
- Initial trading restrictions will apply, likely including limits on card rarities, friend-only trades, and potentially a trading cost.
- Developers may use Pokémon Go as inspiration for mechanics, meaning factors like in-game currencies, daily trade caps, or special rules for rare cards might be introduced.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Pocket app has been a massive hit among fans, offering a digital experience that replicates the thrill of collecting and battling with Pokémon cards. Since its launch earlier this year, players have been eagerly anticipating the addition of trading a feature that has been teased since February 2024. While the trade button in the Social Hub has remained “greyed out” with a “coming soon” tag, the wait is finally nearing its end.
With trading set to roll out in January 2025, let’s explore everything we know so far, along with some speculation on how this game-changing feature could work.
When Is Trading Coming to Pokémon TCG Pocket?
The developers of Pokémon TCG Pocket have officially announced that trading will release in January 2025. Although there isn’t a specific date yet, rumours and datamined leaks suggest a possible January 30 release, potentially coinciding with a new expansion update.
Players should stay vigilant for announcements as January approaches. Given the hype surrounding this feature, it’s expected that the developers will share more details closer to the release date.
How Will Trading Work?
While the developers haven’t revealed all the details, there are some important clues about how trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket might function:
1. Restrictions on Tradable Cards
Trading will initially be limited to specific cards, with plans to gradually expand the selection over time. This means you won’t have free rein to trade any card you want right away. Rare or ultra-rare cards may also have stricter trading rules, similar to “Special Trades” in Pokémon Go.
2. Friend-Only Trades
The announcement video for Pokémon TCG Pocket has shown trading between friends, indicating that you may need to add someone as a friend before initiating a trade. While it’s possible the game could later implement a “marketplace” feature where players can list their cards for trade, early trading will likely be restricted to friends only.
3. Rarity and Fairness Rules
To prevent unfair trades (e.g., swapping a common card for a rare one), Pokémon TCG Pocket might enforce rarity matching. This means you’ll likely need to trade cards of similar rarity levels, such as exchanging a rare card for another rare card.
4. Cost of Trading
Following the model of Pokémon Go, trades in Pokémon TCG Pocket might require an in-game currency, like Shine Dust or a new currency specifically for trading. This ensures that trading isn’t completely free and adds an extra layer of strategy to the process.
5. Trade Limits
It’s possible there will be daily limits on trading, particularly for high-value cards. For example, Pokémon Go allows unlimited trades for regular Pokémon but caps trades for special Pokémon to once per day. Pokémon TCG Pocket could adopt a similar system, with additional allowances during special events.
Why Has Trading Taken So Long?
The delay in adding trading to Pokémon TCG Pocket is likely due to several factors.
- Balancing the In-Game Economy
Introducing trading too early could disrupt the game’s economy. Developers may want to ensure that the trading system doesn’t devalue certain cards or negatively impact the in-game microtransactions. - Expanding the Card Pool
The trading feature will launch when the card pool is more robust, offering players a greater variety of cards to trade. This timing ensures that the trading system is meaningful and not limited by a lack of options. - Testing and Player Behavior
Developers are likely studying player behavior to fine-tune the system. By collecting data on how players collect and use cards, they can design a trading system that aligns with community needs while maintaining balance.
How Does This Compare to Pokémon Go?
Trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket seems poised to borrow elements from Pokémon Go, which has a well-established trading system with clear limitations. Let’s compare some key aspects:
| Feature | Pokémon Go | Possible Pokémon TCG Pocket Approach |
| Friend Requirement | Must be friends in-game | Likely the same |
| Cost | Stardust (varies by Pokémon rarity) | Possible Shine Dust or new currency |
| Distance | Must be within a certain distance | Likely not required |
| Daily Limit | Limited for special trades | Possible cap on rare card trades |
| Marketplace Option | Not available | Speculative for TCG Pocket |
What Features Could Make Trading Even Better?
While trading will already be a big step forward for Pokémon TCG Pocket, here are some wishlist features that could make it even more exciting:
- Global Trade Binder
Imagine having a virtual “binder” where you can list cards you’re willing to trade and browse other players’ binders. This would make trading feel more like the physical Pokémon TCG experience. - Event-Based Trade Bonuses
During special in-game events, the developers could lift trade restrictions or reduce costs, encouraging players to trade more freely. - Dynamic Rarity Adjustments
To keep trades fair, the game could dynamically adjust the value of cards based on demand and availability, ensuring that no single card becomes too overpowered in the trading system.
Game-Changer for Pokémon TCG Pocket
The introduction of trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket is set to revolutionize the game. By allowing players to exchange cards, the feature adds a social and strategic dimension that’s been missing since launch.
While the initial rollout in January 2025 will likely come with restrictions, the developers’ promise to expand the system over time means we can look forward to even more exciting updates in the future. Whether you’re aiming to complete your collection or score a rare card for your deck, trading will soon become an essential part of the Pokémon TCG Pocket experience.
FAQ
Q: When is trading being released in Pokémon TCG Pocket?
A: Trading is set to launch in January 2025, though an exact date hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Q: Can I trade with anyone, or do they need to be on my friend list?
A: Early signs suggest trading will be restricted to friends, at least initially.
Q: Will there be costs associated with trading?
A: While not confirmed, trading may require in-game currencies like Shine Dust, similar to how Pokémon Go uses Stardust.
Q: Are there restrictions on the cards I can trade?
A: Yes, only certain cards will be tradable at launch, with plans to expand the selection over time. Rare or ultra-rare cards may have additional limitations.
Q: Will there be a marketplace to browse other players’ trade offers?
A: A marketplace hasn’t been announced, but it’s a feature many players are hoping for in future updates.
