Key Takeaways:
- Trade Tokens are gone: Shinedust becomes the new standard currency for trades.
- Players can now list 3 wanted cards: Making trades more targeted and meaningful.
- Duplicate pulls matter more: Extra Shinedust rewards give every card value.
After months of community frustration, Pokemon TCG Pocket is set to receive a major overhaul to its much-criticized Trade feature. Dropping just before the A4 card set on July 29, the new update promises to replace the clunky Trade Token system with a more intuitive Shinedust mechanic, making card trading simpler, smarter, and far more player-friendly.
Trade Tokens Retired, Shinedust Takes the Spotlight
The original Trade system, introduced in January 2025, quickly drew backlash for its restrictive design. Trade Tokens—needed to complete any exchange—were hard to come by and required players to burn cards, defeating the point of collecting and swapping duplicates.
The July 29 update finally puts an end to that system. Trade Tokens will be discontinued and replaced by Shinedust, a more flexible in-game currency. Players will even be able to convert leftover tokens into Shinedust and up to 60 Pack Hourglasses, providing a clean and fair transition.
Also read: Fortnite Reveals Two New Blitz Royale Modes Ahead of “Super Showdown” Live Event
Player Wish Lists Make Trading Smarter
A major quality-of-life improvement comes in the form of wish lists. With the update, every player will be able to mark up to three desired cards, visible to others during trade interactions. This means users no longer need to rely on blind trades or off-app communication to get what they’re looking for—sharpening the utility of the feature.
The result is a system where trades are more likely to succeed because both parties know exactly what the other wants, significantly improving player experience and reducing random, one-sided trade attempts.
Duplicate Cards Now More Rewarding
Another welcome change is the doubling of Shinedust rewards when players pull duplicate cards. This incentivizes regular gameplay and pack openings by ensuring that even redundant pulls can help complete collections through trading—something the community has long asked for.
Additionally, this dynamic ensures that free-to-play and casual players will have a better shot at completing their collections without needing to spend excessively or rely on sheer luck.
Conclusion: A Promising Step Toward Better Trading
The revamped trading system in Pokemon TCG Pocket signals that developer DeNA has taken community feedback seriously. While it’s too early to say if all issues have been solved, the upcoming changes mark significant progress toward a more accessible and enjoyable trading experience.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
