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We really hope this Pokemon Go trading feature turns out to be true

Published Jul 15th, 2016 9:00AM EDT
Pokemon Go Trading NFC
Image: YouTube

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Pokemon Go will soon allow players to trade Pokemon, a highly anticipated feature that will give you new ways to collect Pokemon. A report that’s yet to be confirmed by Niantic, or any other trusted source, says that a cool trading option will be available to some players, but not all of them, as it requires hardware support.

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Most smartphones nowadays come with built-in NFC chips used to handle mobile payments and other features, but older devices don’t have one. Last year’s OnePlus 2 and the iPhone 5s are two notable devices that don’t have NFC chips.

Why is that important? Apparently, Pokemon Go players will need devices that have NFC support to do it, PokeGoFans learned. It’s not clear where the information originates from, and we’re yet to establish a track record for the site. But PokeGoFans also provides the following images that seem to support the claim – assuming they have not been doctored.

Furthermore, the site says there will be other Pokemon Go trading options, which is certainly something we’d expect. After all, Niantic would want everyone playing the game to be able to trade Pokemon, regardless of smartphone model.

pokemon-go-trading-nfc-rumor-1Image source: PokeGoFans

The feature is incredibly cool, as all you’d have to do to trade Pokemon is to place two devices next to each other, as seen in the image above. It really can’t get any easier than that.

pokemon-go-trading-nfc-rumor-2Image source: PokeGoFans

The report does not say when this feature will be enabled, so you’ll have to stick to hunting Pokemon the good old way until you can trade with friends.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.