In 2025, Pokémon TCG Pocket introduces the booster set Space-Time Shock featuring Dialga and Palkia, alongside a new trading feature that has unintentionally spawned a black market for card exchanges. Players are listing cards for sale online, often requiring in-game tokens and duplicate cards for trades, despite the game’s prohibition on real-money transactions. The Pokémon Company warns against this behavior, while many players express concerns over the ethics and community impact of profit-driven trading in the game.
Exciting Updates for Pokémon TCG Pocket in 2025
The year 2025 has kicked off on a high note for Pokémon TCG Pocket enthusiasts! Fans are thrilled to explore the latest booster set, Space-Time Shock, which highlights the legendary Pokémon from the fourth generation, Dialga and Palkia. In addition to this, players can now enjoy a highly anticipated trading feature that allows them to exchange cards using tokens with friends. However, this new system has led to unintended consequences, giving rise to a burgeoning black market within the mobile game.
The Emergence of a Black Market in Pokémon TCG Pocket
Since the introduction of the trading feature, a wave of misconduct has surfaced. Numerous listings for Pokémon TCG Pocket cards have flooded platforms like eBay, with prices ranging from 5 to 10 euros/dollars per card. Many sellers stress that buyers should possess 500 tokens—essential for in-game trades—and a duplicate EX card to facilitate the exchange. This has effectively created a thriving market around the online trading card game!
In the game, a clear statement indicates that “the purchase or sale of virtual content or data on the service is not allowed.” Nevertheless, players are trading cards they no longer require for ones they desire, blurring the lines of a traditional trade. According to trading rules, only cards of the same rarity can be exchanged, which allows sellers to profit by gaining an EX Pokémon when they sell one, enabling further resale. This creates a continuous cycle of trading, raising ethical concerns among players who are frustrated by the rise of this unregulated black market.
The Pokémon Company has issued a stern warning to its community regarding this issue. The game’s developer, Creatures, has cautioned players against engaging in the buying or selling of cards for real money, stating, “If we confirm that a player has engaged in behavior that violates the terms of use, we will warn them, suspend their account, or take other measures.” Participating in this risky online trading remains a perilous endeavor, regardless of the rarity of the cards involved.
Users of the mobile app initially anticipated that the trading feature would foster a sense of community rather than serve as a means for profit. As it stands, this practice has sparked divisive opinions among fans. Many believe that Pokémon TCG Pocket loses its charm when players can simply pay to expedite their card collection process.
For those seeking assistance or inspiration for deck-building in the game, be sure to explore our comprehensive guides filled with tips to help you progress and grasp the rules of versus mode.
In Pokémon TCG Pocket, players can craft their own decks using the cards they’ve accumulated. Some decks are notably more powerful than others, such as the Mewtwo/Gardevoir, Celebi/Majaspic, or Pikachu decks. To help you navigate the competitive landscape, we’ve compiled a tier list for the current format.