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 set than Genetic Apex but boasting a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards). The core set count, excluding alternate arts, is 155 cards, 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.
52 Images
New Pokémon Tool Cards
A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. These attachable items enhance active Pokémon in battle. The expansion includes Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to the opponent when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes conditions like Poison).
Updated Battles and Multiplayer
Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, and others. The update's impact on the multiplayer meta is yet to be fully seen, but cards like Infernape ex (high damage output) and Palkia ex (high damage with area-of-effect) are expected to be major players. Weavile ex also offers a versatile attack. Steel-type decks are significantly boosted with the addition of Dialga ex and other supporting cards.
Missions and Rewards
New missions accompany the expansion, offering familiar rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions return, focusing on 1-Star and 2-Star cards. A final mission, "Champion of the Sinnoh Region," rewards players for collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon (Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp). The shop features new Dialga and Palkia album covers, a Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.
Trading Controversy
The recent trading update remains controversial. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" (500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses) was provided, concerns persist regarding the high Trade Token costs for trading higher-rarity cards. Obtaining Trade Tokens requires selling cards, creating an inefficient and frustrating system for many players. The community has expressed strong negative feedback, criticizing the system's complexity and perceived unfairness.
