Pokémon TCG Pocket's Space Time Smackdown Expansion: A New Era of Battles and Trading
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 with a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards). 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), covering all types except Dragon (Darkness has two).
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A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards: Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP on damage taken), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).
New Solo Battles have been added across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set (Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and others). The meta is expected to shift with powerful cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 to benched Pokémon). Dialga ex significantly boosts Steel-type decks.
Missions and Rewards
New missions offer rewards including Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting specific cards unlocks rental decks and icons. Museum missions focus on 1-Star and 2-Star cards, with a final mission ("Champion of the Sinnoh Region") rewarding players for collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon. A notable absence is Trading Tokens, though players received a celebratory gift of 500 Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses.
The Trading Controversy
The recent trading update remains controversial due to the high cost of Trade Tokens required for trading higher-rarity cards. Obtaining these tokens necessitates selling cards, creating a system criticized as laborious and inefficient. The required token amounts are significant, particularly for trading high-value cards like ex Pokémon and Crown rarity cards. This has led to considerable negative feedback from players. The developer, Creatures Inc., has yet to address these concerns publicly.
