Time-Bending Pokémon Expansion Arrives

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). The base card count, excluding alternate arts, is 155.

Alternate Art Secret Cards

52 Images

The expansion introduces 10 new ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky, covering all Pokémon types 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 Multiplayer Implications

Space Time Smackdown adds new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others). The impact on multiplayer is yet to be fully seen, but cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 to benched Pokémon) show strong potential to shake up the meta. Dialga ex significantly boosts Steel-type decks.

Missions and Rewards

New missions offer rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, while completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions return, focusing on 1 Star and 2 Star cards. A final mission, "Champion of the Sinnoh Region," rewards collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1 Star cards of her key Pokémon. Notably, 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, a Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

The Controversial Trading Update

The recent trading update remains controversial due to the high cost of trading higher-rarity cards in Trade Tokens, obtained primarily by selling cards. Players have criticized the system as overly laborious and detrimental to community interaction. The required token amounts are: 120 for a 3 Diamond card, 400 for a 1 Star card, and 500 for a 4 Diamond (ex Pokémon) card. Selling cards yields a disproportionately low number of tokens, leading to significant community backlash.