Pokémon TCG Pocket Gets Space Time Smackdown Expansion Today — Here's Everything You Need to Know

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, themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia-themed booster packs, features 207 cards, a smaller count than Genetic Apex but boasting 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, including 10 powerful ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Every Pokémon type except Dragon is represented by a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness receiving two.

Alternate Art Secret Cards: A Glimpse

52 Images

A Notable Addition: Pokémon Tool Cards

Space Time Smackdown introduces Pokémon Tool cards, attachable items providing battle advantages. Three new tools are included: Giant Cape (adds 20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to the opponent when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

Updated Battles and Multiplayer Meta

The expansion brings new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, and others. The multiplayer meta is anticipated to shift significantly. Cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 damage to benched Pokémon) are poised to become powerful additions. Weavile ex offers versatile attack options, and Dialga ex strengthens Steel-type decks.

Missions, Rewards, and the Trading Controversy

New missions offer rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions focus on 1-Star and 2-Star cards, with a final mission rewarding players for collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon. Notably absent are Trading Tokens, though players received a celebratory gift of 500 tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses.

The trading update remains controversial due to the high cost of trading higher-rarity cards, requiring a significant number of Trade Tokens obtained by selling cards. Players have expressed strong negative opinions regarding the system's complexity and perceived unfairness. The need to sell multiple high-value cards to trade a single card of similar value has been widely criticized. The developer, Creatures Inc., has yet to address these concerns publicly. New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, a Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.