Some dedicated Pokemon TCG Pocket enthusiasts have raised concerns about what they perceive as illogical crafting prices for shiny cards. These special Pokemon cards debuted with the unexpected release of the Shining Revelry expansion in March 2025. Initially, the expansion and its dazzling new cards were met with enthusiasm from players, who appreciated the introduction of a fresh rarity tier to Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Prior to the Shining Revelry update, Pocket maintained eight distinct rarity classifications, with crown being the most exclusive. The game currently boasts ten unique card types following the introduction of one-star and two-star shiny Pokemon, alternatively referred to as one-rainbow and two-rainbow rarities. These rarity distinctions significantly influence the game's mechanics by determining card drop probabilities - essentially, the more rare a card, the less likely it is to appear in booster packs.

To compensate for the exceptionally low drop rates of specific cards, Pokemon TCG Pocket implemented the Pack Points system, a loyalty reward mechanism earned through pack openings. Players can redeem these points to create cards missing from their collections. However, a segment of the player base recently highlighted a perceived flaw in how Pack Points apply to shiny cards. Reddit user MrPersona_Loner initiated a discussion titled "shiny cards cost too many Pack Points," which rapidly gained attention as numerous players expressed similar frustrations with the current pricing structure.

Critics of the existing pricing model contend that spending 1,000 Pack Points (approximately $200 value) on a non-full-art variant seems disproportionate. They compare this to one-star full-art cards priced at just 400 Pack Points, despite featuring intricate alternate artwork. These players suggest more balanced pricing would be 600 Pack Points for one-star shiny cards and roughly 800 for two-star versions. Conversely, some community members support the current system, explaining that crafting costs in Pokemon TCG Pocket reflect drop rates and rarity levels rather than visual design. Given shiny cards' lower appearance frequency compared to certain full-art cards, they argue the elevated Pack Point requirement is warranted.

While recognized as one of the more valuable features in Pokemon TCG Pocket, the Pack Points system has generated debate since the game's inception. A persistent critique involves their expansion-specific limitation, with many players advocating for a universal system allowing point redemption across all sets. Detractors claim these loyalty rewards often prove ineffective, primarily granting access to common cards most collectors already possess. Supporters, however, view the feature as a beneficial tool for completing collections, particularly for players who invest in additional booster packs yet struggle to obtain desired cards.