Earlier this week, we learned Niantic is working on adding a trading feature to the Pokemon Go experience as a ‘core element.’
However, reports on Friday have suggested the feature may not be available to all players of the phenomenally successful mobile title.
The PokeGoFans site claims players will need smartphones with Near Field Communications (NFC) functionality in order to swap their captured Pokemon with each other.
As BGR points out, both the iPhone 5s, still a remarkably popular handset available from Apple, is one and the OnePlus 2 is another.
The unsubstantiated report does say there may be other trading options available for those without NFC to there may be some hope yet.
Related: Pokemon Go tips and tricks: How to become a Pokemaster
Earlier this week, the CEO of Niantic John Hanke said the addition of trading would help to foster more social interaction within the game.
Hanke also teased there may be versions of the game for dedicated AR devices that would allow players to see the creatures within their field of view rather than peering through a smartphone lens.
“That may be a fun thing to take advantage of,” Hanke told Business Insider.
At least that would prevent users walking into inanimate objects while peering into their smartphone display.
Will you be upgrading your non-NFC smartphone if it’s required to trade Pokemon? Share your thoughts below.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
