Pokémon TCG: Space Time Smackdown Expansion Launches Today

Pokémon TCG Pocket’s latest major update introduces the Space Time Smackdown expansion, featuring Pokémon Diamond and Pearl themes. This update, split into Dialga and Palkia booster packs, boasts 207 cards—a smaller set than Genetic Apex, but with a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex’s 60). The total 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.

Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: 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 damage when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

Battles

Space Time Smackdown brings new Solo Battles: eight in Intermediate, nine in Advanced, and eight in Expert, with no additions to Beginner. These battles feature Pokémon from the set, including Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, Bastiodon, Glacion, Magmortar, Magnezone, Rampardos, and Torterra. The update's impact on multiplayer meta is yet to be fully 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. Weavile ex offers a versatile attack, and Steel-type decks receive a significant boost with Dialga ex and other additions.

Missions and Rewards

New missions accompany the expansion, offering familiar rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons, and Museum missions reward players for collecting 1-Star and 2-Star cards. A final secret mission, "Champion of the Sinnoh Region," requires the full art Cynthia card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon (Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp). Noteworthy is the absence of Trading Tokens, though players received a free 500 as a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift." New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, the Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

Trading

Developer Creatures Inc. remains largely silent on the controversial trading update, focusing primarily on Space Time Smackdown. The "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, but concerns remain regarding the high token costs for trading higher-rarity cards. Trading requires significant amounts of Trade Tokens, obtained by selling cards, creating a system criticized by fans as laborious and discouraging community interaction.