The Pokémon TCG Pocket developers have finally detailed significant improvements to the game's notoriously flawed trading system, addressing player concerns since launch. While the changes sound promising, their implementation is unfortunately slated for a considerable delay.

In a recent community forum post, the developers outlined the upcoming updates:

Removal of Trade Tokens

Trade tokens are being completely removed, eliminating the need to discard cards to trade. Trading three-diamond, four-diamond, and one-star rarity cards will now require Shinedust. Shinedust is automatically earned when opening booster packs containing cards already registered in your Card Dex. As Shinedust is also used for flair, the developers plan to increase the amount awarded. This change should facilitate more frequent trading. Existing Trade Tokens will be converted to Shinedust upon removal. Trading of one-diamond and two-diamond rarity cards remains unchanged.

Additional Updates in Development

A new feature will allow players to specify desired trade cards within the in-game trading function.

This core change removes the unpopular Trade Token system, previously required for trading but obtained only by discarding existing cards. This often meant sacrificing multiple rare cards to trade a single valuable one, a significant deterrent for players.

The new Shinedust-based system offers a more player-friendly alternative. Shinedust, already used for card flairs, is acquired through duplicate cards and events. Many players likely already possess a surplus, and the developers intend to increase availability to ensure sufficient Shinedust for trading. While some cost is necessary to prevent account manipulation, the Trade Token system proved excessively burdensome.

Another significant improvement is the ability to specify desired trade cards. Currently, players can only list cards for trade without indicating desired cards in return, hindering trading, particularly with strangers. This new feature should greatly improve trading efficiency.

Community reception to these changes is largely positive. However, a major drawback is the irretrievable loss of rare cards already sacrificed for Trade Tokens. While conversion to Shinedust mitigates some loss, the discarded cards are permanently gone.

Furthermore, the implementation timeline is extensive, with the updates not expected until the fall. This likely means a prolonged period of inactivity in the trading system, given the current system's unpopularity. Several expansions may pass before the trading function truly functions as intended. For now, it's advisable to conserve Shinedust.