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 based on Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia-themed booster packs, features 207 cards—a smaller set 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). 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 has a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness receiving 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 (20 HP damage to opponent on damage taken), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).
New Game Content
Space Time Smackdown brings new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the expansion like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, 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) show strong potential. Dialga ex significantly strengthens Steel-type decks.
Missions and In-Game Rewards
New missions offer rewards such as Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. The absence of Trading Tokens is notable, though a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses. 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 due to the high cost of Trade Tokens required for trading higher-rarity cards. Acquiring these tokens necessitates selling cards, creating a system criticized as inefficient and discouraging community interaction. The required number of tokens for trading varies greatly depending on the card rarity, with trading higher rarity cards requiring a significant number of lower rarity cards to be sold first. This has led to significant negative feedback from the player base.
