Pokémon TCG Pocket Expands with Space Time Smackdown Today: Full Details

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has just rolled out an exciting new update, introducing the Space Time Smackdown expansion inspired by the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl theme. This eagerly awaited set is now available, offering players a fresh collection to explore and master.

Space Time Smackdown comes in two distinct booster packs, themed around the legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia. With a total of 207 cards, this set is smaller than its predecessor, Genetic Apex, which boasted 286 cards. However, Space Time Smackdown ups the ante with 52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards, resulting in a higher percentage of rare pieces compared to Genetic Apex's 60 special cards.

Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown

52 Images

The official card count for Space Time Smackdown stands at 155, excluding the alternate arts. This set includes 10 ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Notably, every Pokémon type now has a new ex Pokémon, except for Dragon, while the Darkness type boasts two.

One of the most significant additions to Space Time Smackdown is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. These cards can be attached to your active Pokémon, providing them with beneficial effects during battles. The set introduces three new Pokémon Tools: the Giant Cape, which boosts the Pokémon's Hit Points by 20; the Rocky Helmet, which inflicts 20 HP damage to the opponent's Pokémon whenever the active trainer takes damage; and the Lum Berry, which removes conditions like Poison from the Pokémon.

Battles

As with every new set release, Space Time Smackdown brings fresh Solo Battles to Pokémon TCG Pocket. Players can now enjoy eight new battles in the Intermediate tier, nine in the Advanced tier, and eight in the Expert tier, with no additions to the Beginner tier. These battles spotlight Pokémon from the new set, including Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, Bastiodon, Glacion, Magmortar, Magnezone, Rampardos, Tortrerra, and more.

In the realm of multiplayer, it's still early days, but the cards from Space Time Smackdown show great promise. For instance, Infernape ex can deliver a staggering 140 damage with just two Fire Energy, though it discards both upon impact. This makes it a formidable one-hit knockout option against most ex Pokémon. Palkia ex mirrors Mewtwo ex's power, dealing 150 damage for four Energy while also hitting each benched Pokémon for 20 damage, albeit at the cost of three Energy. Weavile ex offers a versatile attack that does 30 damage for one Energy, or 70 if the defending Pokémon is already damaged. Steel-type decks are poised for a boost with the inclusion of Dialga ex and other supportive cards.

Missions and Rewards

Alongside Space Time Smackdown, Pokémon TCG Pocket introduces numerous new missions that follow a familiar structure. Collecting signature cards will unlock rental decks, while completing the entire set will reward players with Dialga and Palkia icons. The return of Museum missions offers challenges for collecting 1 Star cards and full art 2 Star cards. The secret mission, "Champion of the Sinnoh Region," is unlocked by collecting the full art Cynthia card and the 1 Star cards of her key Pokémon: Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp.

These missions reward players with Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets for the shop, and other items, though notably, none include the controversial Trading Tokens. To celebrate the addition of trading, however, developer Creatures Inc. gifted players 500 Trading Tokens. New rewards in the shop include Dialga and Palkia album covers, the Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a new Poké Gold bundle themed around Cynthia.

Trading

Creatures Inc. has remained silent on the controversial trading update, focusing instead on promoting Space Time Smackdown. The "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" included 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, enough for one ex Pokémon trade. The controversy centers around Trade Tokens, which are required for trading cards at 3 Diamonds or higher. Trading a 3 Diamond card requires 120 Trade Tokens, a 1 Star card needs 400, and a 4 Diamond card (an ex Pokémon) demands 500.

Trade Tokens are earned by selling cards from a player's collection: 25 for a 3 Diamond card, 100 for a 1 Star card, 125 for a 4 Diamond card, 300 for a 2 Star card or a 3 Star immersive card, and 1500 for a Crown gold card. Lower rarity cards are not worth any tokens but also require none to trade. This system means players must sell, for example, five ex Pokémon to trade one ex Pokémon, or five 1 Star cards to trade one 1 Star card. Even selling a Crown rarity card, one of the game's rarest, only yields enough tokens for three ex Pokémon trades.

The community has reacted strongly, labeling the system as "hilariously toxic" and a "monumental failure," expressing frustration over the laborious nature of trading and the lost opportunity for a more connected community experience.