OpenSea, the leading NFT marketplace, is making waves with its decision to sunset several popular features from its original platform, OS1. This comes as it fully transitions to the newly-launched OS2 by June 16. While the company touts OS2 as a streamlined and user-focused upgrade, some traders are voicing concerns over the removal of key features. These features include Deals, English auctions, testnet support, and the Shopping Cart functionality.
The End of an Era: OS1 Features Set to Disappear
In a recent announcement, OpenSea confirmed that OS1 will be completely phased out next week. Consequently, users will have no choice but to adopt OS2.
Among the features being retired is Deals. This was a tool introduced in July 2023 that allowed users to create custom trades. These trades included swapping multiple NFTs for one NFT plus ETH. According to OpenSea, these features were not widely used enough to justify their inclusion in the new platform.
“While there are no immediate plans to bring this functionality into the new OpenSea, we plan to listen to feedback and could decide to include it in a future product roadmap,” the company stated.
However, the decision has sparked backlash on Crypto Twitter, with users expressing disappointment over the loss of Deals. Many argue that the feature added a layer of creativity and safety to trades. It reduced reliance on risky direct messages (DMs).
- One trader wrote: “Without a ‘Deals’ feature (which isn’t available in V2), it poses major scam risks for collectors.”
- Another user lamented: “I loved using the ‘Deals’ feature—it was fun, engaging, and led to plenty of interesting trades.”
- Even prominent NFT artist Justin Aversano chimed in, saying: “We need [the] deals feature to keep us safe please.”
Why OpenSea Killed the Deals Feature
Adam Hollander, OpenSea’s Chief Marketing Officer, provided additional context for the decision. He explained that the Deals feature was incompatible with newer ERC-721-C contracts, which enforce royalties. He mentioned on X:
Hollander emphasized that OpenSea remains committed to listening to user feedback as it continues to refine the marketplace. However, critics argue that removing a unique and innovative feature like Deals undermines the platform’s appeal to power users and niche traders.
Mixed Reactions from the Community
Not everyone is opposed to the changes. Eli Scheinman, Director of Art at Yuga Labs, defended the decision, stating:
Scheinman’s perspective highlights a broader trend in the NFT space: marketplaces are increasingly tailoring their offerings to cater to specific demographics. They focus on select groups rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
That said, the removal of English auctions and testnet support has also drawn criticism. Users who relied on these tools for testing and experimentation are critical. For many, the loss of these features represents a step backward in terms of accessibility and flexibility.
What’s Next for OpenSea?
Launched late last month, OS2 introduces a revamped user experience by splitting users into two categories: Collectors and Pros. The goal is to provide a more tailored experience for different types of users. It aims to suit casual collectors and professional traders alike.
Despite the controversy surrounding the feature cuts, OpenSea is doubling down on its efforts to expand its ecosystem. The platform has been aggressively adding support for new blockchains. These include Solana memecoins and crypto gaming assets. OpenSea seeks to diversify beyond Ethereum-based NFTs.
However, the timing of these changes comes amid challenging market conditions. Ethereum NFT trading volumes have stagnated in 2025, with OpenSea seeing daily ETH NFT volumes ranging between $1.4 million and $2.4 million this month. Meanwhile, the broader NFT industry is under pressure to innovate after total annual sales in 2024 plummeted 62% from 2022’s all-time highs.
Final Thoughts
The transition from OS1 to OS2 marks a pivotal moment for OpenSea as it seeks to stay competitive in an evolving NFT landscape. The removal of features like Deals and English auctions has sparked debate within the community. Nonetheless, the move reflects the company’s effort to streamline its platform and focus on scalability.
For now, the success of OS2 will depend on how well OpenSea can balance user feedback with its vision for the future. As the NFT market continues to mature, platforms like OpenSea must adapt to shifting trends and user demands—or risk losing relevance in an increasingly crowded space.
Will OS2 win over skeptics and solidify OpenSea’s dominance, or will the backlash lead to missed opportunities? Only time will tell.
