Pokémon TCG Pocket's Space Time Smackdown Expansion: A Detailed Look

Pokémon TCG Pocket has launched its latest major update, introducing the Space Time Smackdown expansion, a new set themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia-themed booster packs, boasts 207 cards—a smaller count than Genetic Apex's 286, but with a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex's 60). Excluding alternate art cards, the set contains 155 cards.

Alternate Art 'Secret' Cards

52 Images

The expansion features 10 new ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky, representing every Pokémon type except Dragon (Darkness type receives two).

A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards: Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to opponent on damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

New Battles and Gameplay

Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers (Beginner tier remains unchanged), featuring Pokémon from the set like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others. The meta is expected to shift significantly due to powerful cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 to benched Pokémon). Weavile ex offers a versatile attack, and Dialga ex strengthens Steel-type decks.

Missions and Rewards

New missions, similar to previous structures, reward players with Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets, and more. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, and completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions return, focusing on Star cards and the Cynthia full art card (along with her key Pokémon: Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp). The "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission is awarded for completing the Cynthia collection. Note that Trading Tokens are not awarded through missions, although a celebratory gift of 500 tokens was given.

New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, the Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

Trading Controversy

The recent trading update remains controversial. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, the system requires significant Trade Tokens to trade higher-rarity cards, leading to criticism. Players must essentially sell cards to obtain these tokens, with the exchange rate considered unfavorable by many players. This has sparked significant negative feedback from the community.