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Trading in a mobile card game app: the announcement itself was quite the sensation. Because ironically, most, if not all digital card games do not include trading, even those based on physically tradeable cards. Players must rely solely on their own resources to acquire new cards. Systems like “dusting” and pity mechanics attempt to compensate for it, but they’re far less advantageous.
So when Pokémon TCG Pocket announced trading, the hyper couldn't be higher. Finally, a way to trade cards in a trading card game! A feature allowing players to complete collections and build decks, all through mutually beneficial exchanges: is there any better way to engage players? Now that the game is out, expectations couldn't be higher.
When does the trading system come ?
An announcement from the official english Pokémon TCG Pocket X account confirms that trading will be available in January 2025. Currently, a grayed-out button in the Social Hub tab teases the feature in-app.
How does the trading system work ?
There’s been no official explanation of how the trading system works. However, in two trailers, we see trades happening. In the second one, players trade cards of ◊◊ rarity for a single card of the exact same rarity (Lickitung for Slowking).
It’s very likely that trades will be limited to one card at a time and only allowed between cards of the same rarity.
Does trading affect a card’s language?
Cards retain their original language when traded, just like those obtained via Wonder Picking. Don’t worry: during gameplay, the card’s language will automatically display in your system language. Read our guide related to the cards language in Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Can every card be traded?
At first, it seems that trading will be limited to a selection of cards that will gradually expand in the future. It's currently unknown which cards can be traded or if trading will be limited to cards obtained from booster packs. The specific conditions and rules governing card trading have not been disclosed yet.
Does trading require a currency?
It’s currently unknown whether trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket will require a currency, and if so, whether it will use an existing currency like Shinedust or introduce a new one.
For reference, Pokémon GO uses a currency called Stardust for trading Pokémon. The cost varies in tiers: it’s cheap if both players already have the Pokémon in their collection, more expensive if only one player has it, and very costly if the Pokémon is Legendary or shiny. Pokémon TCG Pocket could adopt a similar approach, scaling the price based on the card’s rarity and whether the traders have already collected it.