Since Pokémon TCG Pocket launched, fans have eagerly awaited the ability to trade cards in this digital adaptation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Trading has been a core part of the Pokémon experience since the original physical TCG and video games, allowing players to build collections, share rare cards, and engage in a social aspect of the game. In Pokémon TCG Pocket, the trading feature appears in the app but is not yet accessible, suggesting it may be coming soon. Here’s what we know about trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket and why it could arrive before the end of the year.

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Why Trading is Likely Coming Soon

From what we’ve gathered, Pokémon TCG Pocket was designed with trading in mind. The feature already appears as an option in the app, but it’s currently grayed out, hinting that the developers, Creatures Inc. and DeNA, may be in the final stages of implementation. Given that Pokémon TCG Pocket was launched with daily pack openings and Wonder Picks (where players can select a random card from another player’s opened pack), it’s clear the app is leaning into community features that encourage social interaction and collection-building. Adding trading would be the logical next step to complete the experience.

Speculation within the community, along with app hints, suggests that trading could be enabled in a major update before the end of the year. The Pokémon TCG Pocket development team has not provided an official release date for the trading feature, but it’s worth noting that major updates for Pokémon mobile games often coincide with seasonal events. A holiday release would make sense, providing players a way to exchange cards as they build collections over the festive season.

How Trading Could Work in Pokémon TCG Pocket

While the exact mechanics remain under wraps, the structure of the app gives some clues as to how trading might function. Given the game’s streamlined design, Pokémon TCG Pocket may follow a simple, accessible approach to trading, perhaps limiting trades to certain rarities or types of cards. It’s also possible that trades could be restricted to friends or verified players to prevent exploitation and ensure a fair environment for all players.

Trading could be integrated with other social features, like the Wonder Pick system, which lets players browse packs opened by others and select one card at random to add to their collection. This system could be extended to allow players to offer specific cards to others or to make trades from within friends’ collections. If implemented, this would add a rich layer of interactivity and provide players with more ways to curate and expand their collections beyond luck and booster packs.

What Trading Could Mean for Pokémon TCG Pocket

If trading arrives, it could be a game-changer for Pokémon TCG Pocket. Collectors would no longer have to rely solely on the app’s randomized booster packs or Wonder Picks to get specific cards. Instead, they could work directly with other players to acquire rare or desirable cards, making it easier to complete specific sets and collections. This social element aligns with the app’s mission to make the Pokémon TCG more accessible, particularly to casual fans who might feel daunted by the traditional physical game’s complexity.

In terms of the game’s economy, trading could drive engagement with in-app purchases as players try to acquire high-demand cards to trade. It might also create a more dedicated community around Pokémon TCG Pocket, as players look to connect and swap cards strategically. For longtime fans, trading would bridge the gap between the physical TCG experience and the digital app, enhancing the game’s appeal as a digital collectible.

Challenges and Considerations

Enabling trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket isn’t without its challenges. Digital trading introduces concerns about balance, fairness, and preventing scams, especially in a game that appeals to younger audiences. The developers will likely implement safeguards, such as trade limits or approval systems, to ensure players can trade safely without compromising the integrity of the game.

Additionally, since Pokémon TCG Pocket is a free-to-start game, the developers may explore ways to monetize trading, such as offering premium currency options to expand trading capabilities or exclusive trading features for players with a Premium Pass. Regardless of the implementation details, balancing monetization with accessibility will be key to keeping the community engaged without discouraging free-to-play users.

The Future of Pokémon TCG Pocket

If the trading feature does indeed go live soon, Pokémon TCG Pocket could become a mainstay for both casual collectors and dedicated fans alike. Trading would deepen the social experience, encouraging players to build connections and create a more vibrant, interconnected player base. For Pokémon enthusiasts, this would mark a new era where digital and physical card collecting experiences are nearly interchangeable, each offering unique but complementary ways to enjoy the Pokémon TCG.

With the potential for trading and other social features, Pokémon TCG Pocket might not only reshape the digital TCG experience but also set the standard for future Pokémon mobile games. For now, players will be eagerly watching for updates, hoping to finally unlock the trade feature and connect with friends around the world to complete their collections.