Pokémon TCG Pocket's Space Time Smackdown Expansion: A New Era of Battles and Trading Controversy
Pokémon TCG Pocket has launched its latest major update, introducing the Space Time Smackdown expansion based on Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. This expansion, available in Dialga and Palkia-themed booster packs, features 207 cards, a smaller count than Genetic Apex but boasting a higher percentage of rare cards (52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards). The base card count, excluding alternate arts, is 155, including 10 new ex Pokémon (Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky), representing every Pokémon type except Dragon (Darkness gains two).
A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards: Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (20 HP damage on receiving damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).
New Solo Battles have been added across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers, featuring Pokémon from the set. Multiplayer meta is expected to shift with powerful cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy), Palkia ex (150 damage plus 20 to benched Pokémon), and Weavile ex (variable damage based on opponent's HP). Steel-type decks are significantly boosted by Dialga ex.
New missions offer rewards including Pack Hourglasses, Wonder Hourglasses, Emblem Tickets, and Dialga/Palkia album covers. A Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle replaces the Gardevoir bundle. Notably absent are Trading Tokens, though players received a celebratory gift of 500 tokens.
The trading update remains controversial. Trading high-rarity cards requires a significant number of Trade Tokens, obtainable only by selling cards. The steep cost of trading, particularly for rare cards, has drawn criticism from players. The developer, Creatures Inc., has yet to address these concerns publicly. The system requires players to sell multiple high-rarity cards to obtain enough tokens to trade a single card of similar rarity, leading to accusations of a "hilariously toxic" and "monumental failure" of a trading system.
