The creators of Pokémon TCG Pocket are taking a firm stand against cheating as the game prepares for one of its most anticipated updates. A warning issued to all players earlier this week outlines the consequences for behaviors that violate the game’s Terms of Use. With the introduction of a new trading feature and the Space-Time Smackdown expansion, the stakes have never been higher.
Pokémon TCG Pocket issues warning against real money trades and data tamperinghttps://t.co/nLTzhjZSzp
— AUTOMATON WEST (@AUTOMATON_ENG) January 28, 2025
In an in-game announcement, the development team addressed the growing concern over activities like data tampering and real-money trading (RMT). Players engaging in these practices risk account warnings, suspensions, or even permanent bans. The timing of this message is no coincidence, as the new trading feature goes live on January 29. It allows players to exchange cards of one-star rarity and below with friends, though high-value cards remain excluded.
Community Exploits and Cracking Down
The crackdown comes amid reports of widespread exploits. One common method involves “Wonder Pick Farming,” where players create multiple accounts to collect free card packs and resell rare pulls. Another involves stalling PvP matches using the timeout feature to force opponents to quit, granting the exploiter easy wins and quick progress.
The introduction of trading has raised concerns about the potential for a black-market economy. Platforms like Discord and Reddit are already being eyed as potential hubs for RMT. To counteract this, the trading system limits exchanges to lower-rarity cards and requires players to use in-game currency to complete trades. While these restrictions aim to preserve fairness, they have sparked frustration among fans who feel the limits diminish the trading experience.
The Bigger Picture
The Space-Time Smackdown expansion, set to release on January 30, promises a fresh set of over 140 cards, including legendary Pokémon Dialga ex and Palkia ex. The set features immersive designs and new gameplay mechanics centered on time and space manipulation. Yet, excitement for the expansion is overshadowed by concerns about the trading system and how well the developers can enforce fair play.
Live-service games with in-game economies often struggle with balancing player freedom and security. Pokémon TCG Pocket’s approach, while restrictive, reflects an effort to get ahead of issues that have plagued similar games. How effectively the developers enforce these rules will determine the success of this system.
Player Reactions and Expectations
The community’s response to the upcoming updates has been mixed. While many appreciate the addition of trading, others view the restrictions as overly cautious. Limiting trades to low-rarity cards, combined with the use of currency, has led to skepticism about the feature’s long-term value.
Don’t do any trades with people up to no good tomorrow. It’s probably why the statement has come out now. #PokemonTCGPocket pic.twitter.com/90s4vuhpmZ
— PokeGirlLauren (@PokeGirlLauren) January 27, 2025
As Pokémon TCG Pocket evolves, one thing is clear: the developers are prioritizing fairness and security in the face of new challenges. Whether this approach will satisfy players or create new frustrations remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on January 29, when the trading feature goes live, and January 30, when Space-Time Smackdown launches.
The excitement surrounding Pokémon TCG is nothing new—just look at the recent chaos over Costco’s exclusive Blooming Collection. Fans scrambled to get their hands on the bundle, with some stores selling out within minutes. As Space-Time Smackdown and the new trading feature arrive, many wonder if Pokémon TCG Pocket will ignite a similar digital frenzy.
