Pokémon TCG Pocket's Space Time Smackdown Expansion: A Deep Dive

Pokémon TCG Pocket has launched its latest major update, introducing the Space Time Smackdown expansion, a new set themed around 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). Excluding alternate art cards, the core set contains 155 cards, including 10 powerful ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Notably, every Pokémon type except Dragon is represented by a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness receiving two.

Alternate Art 'Secret' Cards: A Glimpse

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A Key New Mechanic: Pokémon Tool Cards

Space Time Smackdown introduces Pokémon Tool cards—items attachable to active Pokémon for combat advantages. Three new tools are included: Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to the opponent's Pokémon when the active trainer takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions like Poison).

Updated Battles and Multiplayer Meta

The expansion adds new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon like 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 poised to become powerful additions, particularly bolstering Steel-type decks alongside existing cards like Melmetal and Bisharp.

Missions, Rewards, and the Trading Controversy

New missions are available, offering rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions return, focusing on Star cards and the Cynthia full art card (along with her key Pokémon: Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp). The shop features new items, including Dialga and Palkia album covers and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle. Importantly, no Trading Tokens are awarded through missions, although players received a celebratory gift of 500 Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses.

The Trading System: A Point of Contention

The trading update remains controversial. Trading high-rarity cards (3 Diamonds and above) requires Trade Tokens, obtainable only by selling cards. The high cost of trading rare cards, especially ex Pokémon and Crown rarity cards, has drawn significant criticism from players who find the system overly restrictive and laborious. The developer, Creatures Inc., has yet to address these concerns publicly.