Pokémon TCG Pocket Trading Has Spurred a Strange Black Market for High Rarity Cards

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has a strange black market where players are buying and selling the digital cards online via its controversial trading mechanic.

Myriad listings for Pokémon TCG Pocket cards have appeared on eBay, with players charging $5 to $10 per card. This is only possible through the game’s recently introduced trading mechanic, as these sellers are simply asking to exchange friend codes with the buyers and then sending a card over.

One $5.99 listing for a Starmie ex, for example, asks buyers to ensure they have 500 Trade Tokens, one Trade Stamina, and most importantly, an “unwanted Pokémon ex” to exchange for the card they actually want.

This is where things get a bit strange. While it’s already a blatant breach of the Pokémon TCG Pocket terms of service — as “buying or selling virtual contents or data on the service” is not allowed — the seller in these situations essentially loses nothing.

The buyer gives up a card they don’t need for a card they do, which is a regular trade beyond the price tag, but the buyer doesn’t lose stock. Per the restrictions on trading, only cards of the same rarity can be traded, meaning the seller gains an ex Pokémon when they sell one and can therefore just sell it again.

Myriad listings for ex Pokémon and 1 Star, alternate art cards, the two rarest available to trade, are listed on eBay, each with varying price tags. Entire accounts are on sale too, offering the likes of Pack Hourglasses and rare cards within them, though this is a fairly common for online games, breach of service or not.

Trading in Pokémon TCG Pocket proved controversial upon its release last week, though this trading online isn’t directly related to the complaints.

Alongside the standard mechanic that restricts players from opening packs or Wonder Picking or, now, trading too much without spending real world money, the feature was also introduced with an extra restriction called Trade Tokens. Players criticized the high cost of obtaining these, as they essentially had to delete from their collections five cards before trading one of the same rarity.

This black market would have spawned even if trading had been released with absolutely no restrictions, however. The only relation to what players have complained about so far is in how bare bones the mechanic is, as there is no way to trade without being friends with another player.

This is because some players, like siraquakip on Reddit, were hoping for “a pretty safe way for the community to connect more.” Players have called for the ability to put cards up for trade publicly within the app, alleviating the need for using external websites like Reddit and Discord, and now eBay, to find the cards they need.

Developer Creatures Inc. has already warned players against buying and selling cards using real world money and other methods of cheating, telling players before trading launched that “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 action.”

The irony is that Creatures Inc. deployed the hated Trade Tokens mechanic in order to stop exploiting the system in ways exactly like these eBay sellers are doing. It’s therefore clearly not worked, but has turned much of the community against the developer.

It’s currently “actively investigating ways to improve” the trading feature but hasn’t released any specifics on how it will do so despite complaints starting three weeks ago when it first unveiled the feature.

Fans have claimed trading is being implemented as a means of increasing revenue for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which is estimated to have made half a billion dollars in less than three months, before trading was possible.

This is also evidenced by the inability to trade cards of 2 Star rarity or higher, as if players could immediately trade for their missing cards, they wouldn’t need to spend $10 or $100 or more for a random chance of getting them. It cost one player around $1,500 just to complete the first set, for example, and the third in three months arrived last week.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

Should you bother with… path tracing?

Path tracing has been back on the PC hardware agenda recently, with Nvidia’s sales pitch for the GeForce RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 more than lightly based on how good they are at shotgunning this premium graphics tech down your eye stalks. Yet beyond the sparkling glamour of marketing slides, however, path tracing remains exceptionally niche: nearly six years since Quake II RTX served as the tech’s de facto gaming debut, you can still count the number of compatible games on your fingers. Compare and contrast with the dozens upon dozens of games that have embraced ray tracing, path tracing’s less demanding nephew, and you’ll likely start wondering why more game devs don’t go for it.

We’re not here to answer that, though. This is Should You Bother With, here to investigate whether you should start using path traced effects to give your games – some of them, anyway – the full maxed-out-visuals treatment. Even if it takes a graphics card upgrade to do so.

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IGN UK Podcast 786: A History of Violence

The IGN UK Podcast is here to guide you on a tour of historical violence (and occasional diplomacy). Jesse and Jen have spent far too long in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Civilization 7 respectively, whereas Cardy has dabbled in both but is mainly here to promote new crisps he’s found on adventures to Lidl, before bringing the mood down with mini-reviews of new movies Nickel Boys and September 5.

Remember to send us your thoughts about all the new games, TV shows, and films you’re enjoying or looking forward to: ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.

IGN UK Podcast 786: A History of Violence

The RTX 5080 is here, but you should probably just buy this RTX 4080 Super gaming PC instead

The Nvidia RTX 5080 is out! Kind of. In theory. If you can find one. But here’s the thing: it’s basically just an expensive RTX 4080 Super in disguise (in my opinion). Performance is near-identical, stock is non-existent, and unless you’re willing to shell out over $2,500 for a prebuilt system, good luck getting one.

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Phoenotopia Devs Reveal Its Next Gorgeous-Looking Metroidvania

Star Iliad is “coming soon”.

Cape Cosmic, the developer behind the fabulous Phoenotopia: Awakening, has announced its next project — Star Iliad, a Metroidvania set inside a star whale. And, par the course, the pixel art looks gorgeous. Platforms have yet to be announced yet.

In a blog post on the developer’s tumblr, Cape Cosmic reveals that its new game leans much closer to a Metroid game rather than Phoenotopia’s Zelda-esque trappings. The map is much larger, with the devs promising 40 hours of gameplay, and guns are your weapon of choice.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 10 to 14

Avowed Screenshot

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 10 to 14

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, the Xbox App on Windows PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


Quilts and Cats of Calico

Monster Couch

Quilts and Cats of Calico – February 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A cozy board game in which the player’s main task is to make a quilt from patterned fabric scraps. By smartly combining the colors and patterns of the scraps, the player can not only score points for the completed design but also sew on buttons and attract adorable cats, who have their own preferences for bedding patterns.


Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII

2K


52

$69.99

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII – February 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The award-winning strategy game franchise returns with a revolutionary new chapter. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII empowers you to build the greatest empire the world has ever known! In Civilization VII, your strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of your evolving empire. Rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement. You can start playing today by picking up either the Civilization VII Deluxe or Civilization VII Founders Edition on the Microsoft Store for Xbox .


UNDYING

Skystone Games

$19.99

Undying – February 11
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Caught amid the zombie apocalypse and with time running out, Anling will stop at nothing to ensure her son, Cody, gets to safety. Enduring countless perils, including the zombie infection that’s beginning to take over her body, not to mention teaching Cody how to survive their harsh new reality.


Alpacapaca Dash 2

Synnergy Circle Games

Alpacapaca Dash 2 – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

After saving the Alpaca Goddess and vanquishing the eternal darkness, you now have to save the Alpaca World again! Fragments of darkness started appearing and it’s your job to destroy them and ensure peace will remain into the colorful Alpaca World.


Camping Simulator: The Squad

CubeCube Sports LTD.

Camping Simulator: The Squad – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Immerse yourself in the beauty and challenges of the great outdoors with Camping Simulator. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a test of survival skills, this game offers a dynamic camping experience tailored to your style.


Fall Asleep

Xitilon

Fall Asleep – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Assist Marsi in awakening from her deep slumber by gathering five-star shards in this engaging platformer. Navigate through five distinct locations, each presenting unique adversaries and challenges. Traverse the Enchanted Forest, the depths of the Volcano, Sandy Island, Snowy Peaks, and the Darkest Dungeon. Acquire new abilities with every star fragment collected.


Penguin Flight

Afil Games

Penguin Flight – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Get ready to flap, dash, and soar in Penguin Flight, a delightful 2D pixel art platformer that blends charm, challenge, and creativity! Join a little penguin with big dreams as he embarks on a journey to touch the skies, navigating through 40 meticulously designed levels brimming with fun mechanics, vibrant visuals, and heartwarming adventures.


Pyramids and Aliens: Escape Room

mc2games


$12.99

$11.69

Pyramids and Aliens: Escape Room – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Your former mentor has disappeared inside an ancient Egyptian pyramid. Will you be able to find him? Pyramids and Aliens is an escape room game that will test your skills as an archaeologist. Solve puzzles, find clues, and reveal the secrets of the pyramid. Spoiler: it was not built by humans!


Super Forklift 3000 (Xbox Series)

Marcos Game Dev

Super Forklift 3000 – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Super Forklift 3000 is an arcade space shooter with a twist: you drive a forklift that carries and shoots up to three boxes, each with unique effects. Defeat enemies and bosses while managing your different box types. Be careful not to run out of ammo!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East

Eastasiasoft Limited

Super Jagger Bomb 2: Go East – February 12
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

Run, jump, fly and dash your way across dozens of unique stages in 2.5D style as you dodge enemies and collect bombs as fast as you can. Complete levels without dying to gain extra lives and use bonus rounds to multiply your score. Collect coins, practice, earn flight licenses and even unlock new playable heroes!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Avowed Premium Edition

Xbox Game Studios

$89.99

Avowed (Premium Edition Early Access) February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members can purchase the Avowed Premium Upgrade Addon to receive up to 5 days early access, two sets of premium skins, and access to the Avowed Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack. Standard edition launches on February 18.


Recall: Empty Wishes

DANGEN Entertainment


$14.99

$13.49

Recall: Empty Wishes – February 13

Recall: Empty Wishes is a psychological thriller set in Taiwan during the 2010s. Follow Yonny, a sister determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her brother, Tommy. As she delves deeper, she confronts unsettling secrets, blurring the lines between reality and illusion.


METAL SUITS: Counter-attack

Eggtart Inc

Metal Suits: Counter-Attack – February 13
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A side-scrolling run-and-gun action game set in the future. The main character, Kevin, who lost everything and was reborn as a cyborg, begins to take revenge on Golida, an alien who took everything from him.


Snezhinka

PLAYISM

Snezhinka – February 13

Sequel to Marfusha, the second entry in the series of high-tempo shooting games with simple controls. Play as Snezhinka, an employee of a private military company in a dystopian world depicted in beautiful 2.5D pixel art. Go to various different battlefields and defend your objectives from the enemy’s onslaught.


Afterlove EP

Fellow Traveller

Afterlove EP – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Taking place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, Afterlove EP is a blend of visual novel, narrative adventure and rhythm game from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.


Blood Hunting

Holcomb Entertainment LLC

$24.99

Blood Hunting – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Chase Jones lost his family at a young age and must piece together what happened to them. As he uncovers the truth, he realizes what actions he must take and those responsible for his family’s fate have started hunting him. Now he must survive long enough to discover the truth and locate the responsible party before they find him.


Bumblebee – Search for Happiness

EpiXR Games

$9.99

Bumblebee – Search for Happiness – February 14

A story-driven 3D flight exploration game where you guide a small bee on its quest to find a new home. As the bee embarks on this journey, it discovers distant landscapes, encounters friendly and serene animals, and explores breathtaking yet mysterious habitats.


Chibi Ninja Shino-kun Treasure of Demon Tower

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Chibi Ninja Shino-kun Treasure of Demon Tower – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A game inspired by Japanese ninja games from the 80s and 90s. Chibi Ninja Shino-kun: Treasure of Demon Tower is a fast and smooth retro platformer in which you climb a giant tower while dodging enemies, traps and other obstacles. Use your wall jump, hookshot and ceiling running abilities to make it past the various enemies and discover the legendary treasure of Demon Tower!


Dead Dragons

KEMCO

$14.99

Dead Dragons – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

100 years ago, humans triumphed over dragons, bringing peace to the world. But whispers of their return ignite a thrilling tale! Take on the role of a brave protagonist, uncover the mystery behind a young girl tied to the dragons, and decide the fate of an entire world.


Deep, In the Forest

ChiliDog Interactive

$6.99

Deep, In the Forest – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Welcome to a world of strategic card-based RPG, where you must liberate the forest kingdom from the Mad King’s tyranny. You, once close to the royal family, are falsely accused of the princess’s disappearance. To clear your name and restore order, journey through a perilous forest to reach the royal castle. Along the way, collect powerful items and cards, and encounter unique forest inhabitants, some of whom are misled or coerced into hunting you.


Doggy Up!

Axyos Games

$6.99

Doggy Up! – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A platformer game where you play as a German Shepherd named Ollie, trapped in his own dreams. Can you pass the main challenge and free Ollie from captivity? The game will delight you with pleasant graphics, diverse locations, the ability to improve character characteristics, and dynamic events in locations that will help you not to get bored.


Hole Theory Series X|S

Webnetic s. r. o.

Hole Theory – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Dive into the addictive and satisfying world of Hole Theory! Control a growing black hole and consume everything in your path to clear each level. Strategically maneuver around obstacles, avoiding dangerous colored blocks that can end your run instantly.


Xbox Play Anywhere

REPLAY BOYS

Split Narrative Inc.

Replay Boys – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Play as Hannah, video editor for up-and-coming boy band The Replay Boys. When their manager calls in sick right before their first big concert, Hannah is the only one who can fill in and save the day. Help the band through their arguments and uncover their fears and anxieties, while dealing with crazy fans, a cult, and time loops!


Stickman Odyssey

Gametry LLC

Stickman Odyssey – February 14

Embark on an epic journey with the nimble and fearless stickman in Stickman Odyssey! This fast-paced action platformer takes you through stunning, otherworldly landscapes filled with perilous traps, towering platforms, and menacing foes.


Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered

Aspyr

$26.99

Tomb Raider IV – VI Remastered – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Her legacy lives on! Play the next series of Tomb Raider adventures in this remastered collection of the Darkness Trilogy with Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation, Tomb Raider: Chronicles, and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness.


Unsolved Case: Above the Law CE Xbox

Legacy Games

Unsolved Case: Above the Law CE Xbox – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

A powerful villain has no fear of the law. After the high-profile murder of the mayor, it becomes clear that anyone could be a target. Do not let him escape justice! There are tons of new cases to tackle in this installment of the Unsolved Case series. Track down evidence, speak to suspects, crack complex puzzles, and make choices that determine the outcomes… for better or for worse!


Witch of the Meta Loop

Happy Player


$14.99

$11.99

Witch of the Meta Loop – February 14
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Step through the magic mirror, break the fourth wall, and uncover the real you! Explore the entire island with your trusted companions, crossing golden wheat fields and snowy plains, visiting the library, and climbing the magical tower. Join the island’s charming inhabitants to uncover the secrets of the isolated land and reveal the truth behind the Demon King!


The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 10 to 14 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Nintendo Adding Wario Land 4 to Nintendo Switch Online Library

Nintendo is adding beloved Game Boy Advance title Wario Land 4 to the Nintendo Switch Online library on February 14.

Revealed with a trailer, below, the game will be available at no extra cost to users who have a Nintendo Switch Online membership and have purchased the Expansion Pass.

“The misguided Wario is back, and this time he’s in search of riches,” reads the synopsis. “Ignoring all warning signs, Wario decides to enter a cursed pyramid that’s rumored to house a bunch of gold and jewels. Our anti-hero quickly learns that the curse is now a joke, realizing that he’ll be lucky to escape alive.

“There are 20 massive stages to conquer in this adventure, and you can use all of the gold and treasure you find to purchase bonus items after each stage. You can even take a breather and play any of the title’s delightful mini games.”

The game was very well received upon its release in 2001, earning a 9/10 in IGN’s review. “There’s a lot of variety in the game design and it’s more challenging than the usual side-scrolling fare due to its focus on making players figure out how to get to certain locations in the level,” we said.

Wario Land 4 is the 24th Game Boy Advance game added to the library, joining the likes of Mario Kart: Super Circuit, The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, and more.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater release date leaked, alongside a trailer showing off the baddies

“Kept you waiting, huh?” says Snake. Uh, no, not really. You’re actually a bit early this time, mate. The release date for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was spotted this week, hiding in the long grass of the PlayStation Store. The fancy-schmancy MGS3 remake is coming out in August, according to the store page. And you can also catch sight of a camouflaged trailer if you go looking under the right rocks.

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Nintendo’s Latest Patent Hints At Joy-Con Mouse Support For OG Switch

Plus, another mysterious controller is included.

A new patent from Nintendo was recently made public which seems to confirm that, yes, the upcoming Switch 2 will indeed feature mouse support. Phew.

However, upon digging into the patent a bit more, we discovered a couple of additional nuggets that might be of some interest. Namely, it appears that Nintendo has showcased what looks to be a Joy-Con for the original Switch with the additional optical sensor on the side (alongside that extra ‘C’ button below the Home button, by the way – don’t ask us why it’s missing on the left image below).

Read the full article on nintendolife.com