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, themed around 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). Excluding alternate art cards, the base set contains 155 cards, including 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 receiving two.
Alternate Art 'Secret' Cards in Space Time Smackdown
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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 conditions like Poison).
Updated Battles and Multiplayer Potential
The expansion adds new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, and others. While the multiplayer meta's impact is yet to be fully seen, cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 damage to benched Pokémon) show significant potential. Weavile ex's variable damage attack also presents a compelling strategy. Steel-type decks are notably boosted with the addition of Dialga ex and other supporting cards.
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, along with a "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission. The shop features new items, including Dialga and Palkia album covers and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle. Notably, the controversial Trading Tokens are not awarded through missions, although a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses.
The Trading System Under Scrutiny
The trading update remains a point of contention. The required Trade Tokens, obtained by selling cards, are deemed excessive by many players, requiring the sale of multiple high-rarity cards to trade a single equivalent card. This has drawn criticism, with players expressing concerns about the system's impracticality and negative impact on community engagement.
