Pokémon TCG: 'Space-Time Smackdown' Expansion Drops Today

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 two booster packs (Dialga and Palkia themed), boasts 207 cards, a smaller count than Genetic Apex's 286, 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 now has an ex Pokémon, with Darkness gaining two.

Alternate Art 'Secret' Cards in Space Time Smackdown

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A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards: Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP back on damage taken), 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 develop, but cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage, plus 20 to benched Pokémon) show significant potential. Weavile ex offers a versatile attack, and Dialga ex strengthens Steel-type decks.

Missions and Rewards

New missions offer familiar rewards: Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, while completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions focus on 1-Star and 2-Star cards, with a final mission ("Champion of the Sinnoh Region") rewarding players for collecting the full art Cynthia card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon (Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, Garchomp). Notably, Trading Tokens are absent from rewards, though a celebratory gift of 500 Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses was provided.

Shop Updates

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

The Trading Controversy

The trading update remains controversial. Trading Tokens, required for trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher, are obtained by selling cards. The high cost of Tokens for trading valuable cards has drawn significant criticism from players, who describe the system as "hilariously toxic" and a "monumental failure." The required token expenditure to trade rare cards is disproportionate to the tokens obtained from selling those same cards.