Pokémon TCG: Space Time Smackdown Expansion Launches Today

Pokémon TCG Pocket's latest major update delivers the highly anticipated Space Time Smackdown expansion, featuring the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl theme. This update, split into Dialga and Palkia booster packs, introduces 207 cards—a smaller set than Genetic Apex, but boasting a higher percentage of rare cards with 52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards. The total card count, excluding alternate arts, is 155, including 10 powerful ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Every Pokémon type, except Dragon, now has a new ex Pokémon, with Darkness receiving two.

A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards: Giant Cape (adds 20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to the opponent when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

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

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The expansion brings new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, and more. The meta is expected to shift significantly, with cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy) and Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 to benched Pokémon) posing significant threats. Weavile ex offers a versatile attack, and Steel-type decks receive a considerable boost with Dialga ex and other additions.

New missions offer rewards like Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, and Emblem Tickets. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, while completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions focus on 1-Star and 2-Star cards, culminating in the "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission for collecting the Cynthia full art card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon. Notably, the controversial Trading Tokens are absent from mission rewards, though players received a free 500 as a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift."

The shop features new Dialga and Palkia album covers and the Lovely Hearts backdrop, alongside a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

The trading update remains controversial. While a gift of 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses was provided, concerns persist regarding the high cost of trading valuable cards, requiring players to sell numerous high-rarity cards to accumulate enough Trade Tokens for a single trade. This system has been criticized by fans as overly laborious and detrimental to the community's trading experience.