Pokémon TCG's Spacetime Smackdown Expansion Arrives 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, a new set themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia-themed booster packs, features 207 cards – a smaller collection than Genetic Apex's 286, but boasting a higher percentage of rare cards, with 52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards. (This compares to Genetic Apex's 60.)

Alternate Art 'Secret' Cards in Space Time Smackdown

52 Images

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) now has a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness gaining two.

A key addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. These attachable items provide in-battle advantages. The expansion includes Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to the opponent when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

Gameplay Changes

Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others. The impact on the multiplayer meta remains to be seen, but cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 to benched Pokémon) are expected to be significant. Dialga ex strengthens Steel-type decks.

Missions and Rewards

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 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, though a 500-token gift was provided to celebrate the trading feature.

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

The Trading Controversy

The recent trading update remains controversial. Trade Tokens, required for trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher, are obtained by selling cards. The high token cost for trading valuable cards, particularly ex Pokémon and Crown rarity cards, has drawn significant criticism from players. The system is seen as overly laborious and detrimental to community interaction.