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 based on Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in two booster packs (Dialga and Palkia themed), features 207 cards, a smaller count than Genetic Apex but with a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex's 60). The actual card count, excluding alternate arts, is 155, including 10 new 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 in Space Time Smackdown

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

New Battles and Meta Shifts

Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others). The multiplayer meta is expected 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 particularly powerful. Weavile ex offers a versatile attack dealing 30 or 70 damage depending on opponent's damage. Steel-type decks are also significantly boosted by Dialga ex and other additions.

Missions and Rewards

New missions, similar to previous ones, reward Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets, and more. The notable absence is Trading Tokens, though a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses. New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, the Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

Trading Controversy

The trading update remains controversial due to the high cost of trading high-rarity cards in Trade Tokens. These tokens are obtained by selling cards, creating a system where players must sell multiple high-rarity cards to trade a single card of similar rarity. This has drawn significant criticism from the player base.