"Pokémon TCG Pocket Expands with Space Time Smackdown Today"

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has just rolled out its latest major update, introducing the eagerly awaited Space Time Smackdown expansion themed around Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This set is now available and comes with two distinct booster packs, one themed around Dialga and the other around Palkia. Containing a total of 207 cards, this set is notably smaller than the previous Genetic Apex's 286 cards. However, it boasts a higher percentage of rare cards, with 52 alternate art, Star, and Crown rarity cards, compared to Genetic Apex's 60.

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

52 Images

Space Time Smackdown's official card count stands at 155, excluding alternate arts. This set introduces 10 new ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Each Pokémon type now has a new ex Pokémon, with the exception of Dragon, and the Darkness type receiving two. A significant addition to the game is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards, which can be attached to the active Pokémon to enhance its abilities in battle. The set includes three new tools: Giant Cape, adding 20 Hit Points; Rocky Helmet, dealing 20 HP to the opponent's Pokémon upon damage to the active trainer; and Lum Berry, which removes conditions like Poison from the Pokémon.

Battles

The release of Space Time Smackdown brings new Solo Battles to Pokémon TCG Pocket, spanning across different tiers. Eight new battles are available in the Intermediate tier, nine in the Advanced tier, and eight in the Expert tier, with no additions to the Beginner tier. These battles feature Pokémon introduced in the set, such as Dialga ex and Palkia ex, alongside others like Togekiss, Bastiodon, Glaceon, Magmortar, Magnezone, Rampardos, and Torterra.

In multiplayer, the impact of Space Time Smackdown cards on the meta is still unfolding. Standout cards include Infernape ex, which can deliver 140 damage with just two Fire Energy, albeit discarding both afterward. Palkia ex, reminiscent of Mewtwo ex, deals 150 damage for four Energy while also damaging benched Pokémon at the cost of three Energy. Weavile ex offers a one Energy attack that does 30 damage or 70 if the defending Pokémon is already damaged. Steel type decks may see a significant boost with the addition of Dialga ex and other compatible cards.

Missions and Rewards

Alongside the new set, Pokémon TCG Pocket introduces numerous missions, following a familiar structure. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, while completing the entire set grants Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions return, focusing on collecting 1 Star cards and full art 2 Star cards. The secret mission, Champion of the Sinnoh Region, rewards players for collecting the full art Cynthia card along with 1 Star cards of her four key Pokémon: Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp.

Completing missions earns players Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets for the shop, and other rewards, excluding the contentious Trading Tokens. To celebrate trading's addition, developer Creatures Inc. provided players with 500 free Trading Tokens. New items available in the shop include Dialga and Palkia album covers and the Lovely Hearts backdrop, with a new Poké Gold bundle replacing the previous Gardevoir one, now themed around Cynthia.

Trading

Despite the controversy surrounding the recent trading update, Creatures Inc. has remained silent on social media and within the game, focusing instead on promoting Space Time Smackdown. The "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" included 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses, sufficient for trading one ex Pokémon. However, the requirement of Trade Tokens for trading cards at 3 Diamonds or higher has sparked significant backlash. Trading a 3 Diamond card requires 120 Tokens, a 1 Star card 400 Tokens, and a 4 Diamond card 500 Tokens.

Players can only obtain Trade Tokens by selling cards from their collection, with rates varying by rarity: 25 Tokens for a 3 Diamond card, 100 for a 1 Star card, 125 for a 4 Diamond card, 300 for a 2 Star card or 3 Star immersive card, and 1500 for a Crown gold card. This system has been criticized as "hilariously toxic" and a "monumental failure," with fans expressing frustration over the cumbersome process of trading, which they feel undermines community engagement.