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What is Surprise Trade?

Published in Pokémon Trading Feature 3 mins read

Surprise Trade is a popular and intriguing feature in recent Pokémon video games that allows players to exchange Pokémon with others randomly around the world. Known in Japanese as Magical Exchange (マジカル交換), this system offers a unique and often exciting way to acquire new Pokémon without specifying what you're looking for.

How Surprise Trade Works

This innovative trading method was first introduced in the Generation VIII Nintendo Switch core series games, Pokémon Sword and Shield, and continues to be a part of the Generation IX titles, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Here’s a breakdown of its functionality:

  1. Initiate Trade: Players select a Pokémon from their boxes that they wish to trade away. This Pokémon is then put into a queue for a Surprise Trade.
  2. Random Matching: The game automatically connects the player with another trainer worldwide who has also initiated a Surprise Trade. The pairing is completely random.
  3. Automatic Exchange: Once a match is found, the Pokémon chosen by each player are automatically exchanged. The entire process is seamless and requires no further input from the player after the initial selection.

Connectivity Options

The method of connection for Surprise Trades varies slightly between game generations:

Game Title Generation Local Wireless Trading Internet Trading
Pokémon Sword & Shield VIII Yes Yes
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet IX No Yes

While Pokémon Sword and Shield allowed for Surprise Trades over a local wireless connection, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet streamline the experience by focusing solely on internet-based exchanges, requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for this feature.

Why Use Surprise Trade?

Surprise Trade adds an element of chance and discovery to the Pokémon trading experience, offering several benefits:

  • Expand Your Pokédex: It's an excellent way to acquire Pokémon you might not have access to in your own game, including version exclusives or Pokémon from other regions.
  • Clear Box Space: Players often use it to offload excess Pokémon from breeding projects, such as multiple copies of starter Pokémon or rare Pokémon with specific abilities.
  • Discover New Pokémon: The excitement of not knowing what you'll receive makes each trade a mini-adventure. You might receive a rare Pokémon, a shiny Pokémon, or even a Pokémon with special items attached.
  • Community Interaction: It fosters a sense of global community among players, as you exchange creatures with trainers from all over the world.

While you might sometimes receive common Pokémon, the thrill of potentially receiving something rare or unique keeps trainers coming back to Surprise Trade. It's a low-effort, high-excitement method for engaging with the broader Pokémon community.