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 Comprehensive Overview
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, 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). Excluding alternate art cards, the set contains 155 cards, including 10 powerful ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Every Pokémon type except Dragon is represented by a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness receiving two.
A Key New Feature: 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 Implications
The expansion adds new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, and others. 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) pose considerable threats. Weavile ex offers a versatile attack, and Dialga ex strengthens Steel-type decks.
Missions, Rewards, and the Trading Controversy
New missions offer rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions return, focusing on Star and full-art cards. A "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission rewards players for collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon. The shop features new items, including Dialga and Palkia album covers and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.
The recent trading update remains controversial. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided Trade Tokens and Hourglasses, concerns persist about the high cost of trading rare cards, requiring players to sell numerous cards to obtain enough Trade Tokens. This system has drawn significant criticism from the player base.
