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 Deep Dive

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 two booster packs (Dialga and Palkia themed), features 207 cards, a smaller count than Genetic Apex's 286, but boasting 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. This includes 10 new ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Every Pokémon type except Dragon receives a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness gaining two.

A Key New Feature: Pokémon Tool Cards

Space Time Smackdown introduces Pokémon Tool cards – items attachable to active Pokémon for battle 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

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

Missions, Rewards, and the Trading Controversy

New missions are available, offering rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Museum missions return, focusing on 1-Star and 2-Star cards, plus a "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission 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" (500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses) was given, the requirement of Trade Tokens for trading higher-rarity cards (obtained by selling cards) has drawn significant criticism. Players have expressed concerns about the system's inefficiency and perceived unfairness. The high cost of trading rare cards, especially Crown rarity cards, has been labeled as "hilariously toxic" and a "monumental failure" by some players.