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 based on Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia-themed booster packs, boasts 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 official 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 has a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness receiving two.

Alternate Art Secret Cards

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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 Multiplayer Implications

The expansion has added numerous Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others). Multiplayer meta is yet to fully evolve, but cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 to benched Pokémon) show considerable potential. Weavile ex offers a versatile attack, and Dialga ex significantly boosts Steel-type decks.

Missions and Rewards: A Familiar Structure

New missions are available, rewarding players with Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets, and more. 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, alongside a Champion of the Sinnoh Region mission (Cynthia's full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon). Trading Tokens are notably absent from rewards, although a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses.

Shop Updates and the Trading Controversy

New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers and the Lovely Hearts backdrop. A Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle replaces the Gardevoir bundle. The trading update remains controversial due to the high cost of Trade Tokens required for trading higher-rarity cards. Obtaining these tokens necessitates selling cards, creating a system criticized as laborious and unfair by many players. The developer, Creatures Inc., has yet to fully address these concerns.