Since its launch, the Pokémon TCG Pocket community has eagerly awaited the introduction of trading. The burning question has always been: what limitations and in-game costs will be associated with this feature? With the January 2025 timeline previously announced, trading is expected to arrive very soon. Now, the Pokémon TCG Pocket team has provided additional details about how trading will function.
While the exact release date remains undisclosed, the latest update sheds light on key aspects of the trading system, addressing limitations, card rarity restrictions, and more. The development team emphasizes their commitment to monitoring player feedback post-launch to “balance both the ease and enjoyability of collecting.”
alt text: A close-up image of a holographic Charizard card in Pokémon TCG Pocket, hinting at its potential availability for trading.
It’s no surprise that trading within Pokémon TCG Pocket will have certain limitations. Previous announcements hinted at restrictions, stating that only “some cards” would be eligible for trade. A recent post from the official @PokemonTCGPocket account on X provides specifics:
- Trades are restricted to friends.
- Traded cards must be of the same rarity.
- Only specific cards from the Genetic Apex and Mythical Island sets are tradeable.
- Cards with 1-4 Diamond and 1 Star Rarity are eligible.
- In-game items will be consumed to facilitate trades.
Item Costs for Trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket
These details confirm previous speculation within the community regarding rarity restrictions and associated costs. However, the exact pool of tradeable cards remains unclear. The phrase “certain cards” leaves room for a wide range of possibilities. While the exclusions might refer to cards exceeding the specified rarity limits, the wording suggests additional limitations may exist.
The post also remains vague about the specific “items” required for trading. Will it be Shinedust, as many fans believe, or a new in-game currency? Given the existing number of currencies in Pokémon TCG Pocket, utilizing existing items would likely be more user-friendly, but time will tell.
alt text: A promotional image in Pokémon TCG Pocket announcing the upcoming trading feature, with the words "Coming Soon."
New Booster Packs on the Horizon
Beyond trading, the update also contains another exciting announcement for collectors. The post mentions that new booster packs are planned for release this month.
This suggests a potential simultaneous launch of trading and new booster packs, possibly explaining the specific mention of Genetic Apex and Mythical Island cards being tradeable. Regardless, January is shaping up to be an exciting month for Pokémon TCG Pocket enthusiasts.
