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, a new set 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 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 base set contains 155 cards, including 10 new ex Pokémon (Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky), representing every Pokémon type except Dragon (Darkness has 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 to opponent on damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

New Battles and Multiplayer Implications

The expansion introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others). Multiplayer meta is expected to shift, with cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage, 20 damage to benched Pokémon) posing significant threats. Dialga ex will likely boost Steel-type decks considerably.

Missions and Rewards System

Space Time Smackdown includes new missions, awarding Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets, and other rewards. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions return, focusing on 1-Star and 2-Star cards, culminating in the "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission (Cynthia's full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon). Notably, Trading Tokens are not awarded through missions, although players received a 500-token gift to celebrate the trading feature's addition.

New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, a Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

Controversial Trading System

The trading update remains controversial due to the implementation of Trade Tokens, required for trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher rarity. Acquiring these tokens necessitates selling cards, creating a system players deem inefficient and frustrating. The cost of tokens for trading high-rarity cards is disproportionately high compared to the tokens received from selling them, leading to significant player backlash.