Pokémon TCG Pocket’s latest major update delivers the highly anticipated Space Time Smackdown expansion, featuring the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl theme. This expansion, split into two booster packs representing Dialga and Palkia, boasts 207 cards—a smaller collection than Genetic Apex, but with a higher percentage of rare cards. 52 of these are alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards, compared to Genetic Apex’s 60. The core set contains 155 cards, excluding alternate arts, and introduces 10 new ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Every Pokémon type now has an ex Pokémon, except Dragon, with Darkness gaining two.
Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown
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A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. Three new tools—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)—bring strategic depth to gameplay.
Battles
Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate (8), Advanced (9), and Expert (8) tiers, featuring Pokémon like Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, Bastiodon, and more. The update's impact on the multiplayer meta remains to be seen, but several cards offer considerable potential. Infernape ex, for example, delivers a powerful 140 damage attack for two Fire Energy (though it discards them afterward). Palkia ex, similar to Mewtwo ex, deals 150 damage plus 20 damage to each benched Pokémon at the cost of three Energy. Weavile ex boasts a versatile attack dealing 30 or 70 damage depending on opponent damage. Steel-type decks receive a significant boost with Dialga ex and other additions.
Missions and Rewards
New missions accompany the expansion, following familiar structures. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks, while completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions return, rewarding players for collecting 1-Star and 2-Star cards. The "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission requires collecting the full-art Cynthia card and 1-Star cards of her key Pokémon (Gastrodon, Lucario, Spiritomb, and Garchomp). Rewards include Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets, and—notably absent—Trading Tokens. However, a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided players with 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses. New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers and a Lovely Hearts backdrop, alongside a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.
Trading
Despite the recent trading update, Creatures Inc. remains largely silent on player feedback. The core of the controversy lies in the Trade Token system, requiring significant amounts of Tokens to trade higher-rarity cards. Obtaining these Tokens necessitates selling cards, creating an arguably inefficient and frustrating trading system. Players have expressed strong negative opinions about the system's design.
