A new leak suggests that Pokémon TCG Pocket’s long-awaited card trading feature may come with notable limitations, restricting trades to specific card rarities. Since the game’s debut, fans have been eager for a way to exchange surplus cards with others to enhance their collections. However, recent information points to a narrower scope for trading than many players had hoped.
A Franchise Built on Trading
The Pokémon series has emphasized trading since its inception in 1996, when players used link cables to swap Pokémon on the Game Boy. Over the years, trading has become a defining feature of the franchise, spanning from mainline games to spin-offs like Pokémon GO. Yet, Pokémon TCG Pocket, despite being a digital adaptation of the iconic trading card game, has thus far lacked this hallmark feature.
That may soon change, as deNA has confirmed that trading is coming to Pokémon TCG Pocket in January. However, leaks shared by Twitter users Centro Leaks and Pyoro indicate that the trading system might have significant constraints.
Details of the Leak
According to the leak, trading will reportedly be limited to certain rarities:
- Allowed for Trade: One- and two-diamond basic cards and evolutions, three-diamond silver-bordered cards, four-diamond EX cards, and one-star non-EX cards.
- Restricted from Trade: Two-star full art EX cards, trainer cards, immersive cards, and one-crown golden full-art EX cards.
The leak also remains silent on the status of promotional cards, such as those obtained from in-game shops or limited-time events.
Player Reactions and Speculation
The community has expressed mixed reactions. While many are excited about the long-overdue trading feature, others are disappointed by the limitations on higher-rarity cards. Some players argue that restricting trades for valuable cards may prevent exploitation or unbalanced trades, while others see it as a missed opportunity for deeper engagement.
Context and Credibility
This isn’t the first hint of trading limitations for Pokémon TCG Pocket. In November, similar leaks suggested restrictions on trading higher-rarity cards, lending some credibility to these latest claims. As always, leaks should be approached cautiously until official details are revealed.
With the trading feature set to launch in January, official announcements may soon confirm—or contradict—these leaked details. Until then, Pokémon TCG Pocket players remain hopeful for a trading system that lives up to the franchise’s legacy.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on leaks and should be taken with a grain of salt. As with all unconfirmed reports, there is no guarantee that the details are accurate or final, and projects mentioned may change or be canceled.