Pokémon TCG Pocket Trading Fuels Odd Black Market for Rare Cards

The Pokémon TCG Pocket game has ignited controversy with its new trading feature, leading to a black market for trading cards online. Listings for high rarity cards are popping up on eBay, with prices ranging from $5 to $10. This trading mechanic facilitates players exchanging friend codes and completing trades that are technically within game rules, though it violates the game's terms of service. Sellers, in turn, seem to benefit by transferring cards of equal or lesser value while maintaining their card inventory. The trading system has faced criticism for its restrictive nature, forcing players to delete cards to acquire new ones, which some believe serves as a hidden revenue-generating tactic for the game. Following widespread discontent regarding the mechanics, the developer Creatures Inc. is reportedly exploring improvements to the trading feature amid accusations that the system was designed more for profit than player enjoyment.

The trading system in Pokémon TCG Pocket is facing backlash due to its restrictive mechanics, which require players to sacrifice cards to trade and have led to the emergence of a black market where players are buying and selling cards for real money.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is a digital version of the beloved trading card game that has gained significant traction since its release. Launched in January 2025, it quickly achieved remarkable financial success, reportedly earning half a billion dollars in its early months. The introduction of trading brought excitement as well as immediate critique, especially concerning its restrictive conditions and the impact on community engagement. The controversy surrounding the trading system highlights the challenges developers face in balancing monetization with player satisfaction.