Pokémon TCG Pocket's latest major update introduces the Space Time Smackdown expansion, featuring Pokémon Diamond and Pearl themes. This expansion, available in two booster packs (Dialga and Palkia themed), boasts 207 cards, a smaller set than Genetic Apex, but with a higher percentage of rare cards—52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex's 60. Excluding alternate arts, the core set contains 155 cards, including 10 new ex Pokémon: Yanmega, Infernape, Palkia, Pacharisu, Mismagius, Gallade, Weavile, Darkrai, Dialga, and Lickilicky. Every Pokémon type except Dragon now has an ex Pokémon, 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: Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP when the active Pokémon takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes status conditions).

Battles

Space Time Smackdown brings new Solo Battles: eight in Intermediate, nine in Advanced, and eight in Expert. These battles feature Pokémon from the set, including Dialga ex, Palkia ex, Togekiss, Bastiodon, Glacion, Magmortar, Magnezone, Rampardos, Torterra, and others. The meta is expected to shift with powerful cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy, discarding both after use) and Palkia ex (150 damage for four Energy, plus 20 damage to each benched Pokémon, at the cost of 3 Energy). Weavile ex's attack deals 30 damage or 70 if the defending Pokémon is already damaged. Steel-type decks are particularly enhanced with Dialga ex and other new additions.

Missions and Rewards

New missions, similar to previous ones, are available. Collecting signature cards unlocks rental decks; completing the set unlocks Dialga and Palkia icons. Museum missions involve collecting 1-Star and 2-Star cards. A final secret mission ("Champion of the Sinnoh Region") rewards 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. A "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" provided 500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses.

New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, the Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.

Trading

Despite the recent trading update controversy, Creatures Inc. focuses primarily on Space Time Smackdown in its communications. The core issue revolves around Trade Tokens required for trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher. The cost is steep: 120 for a 3 Diamond card, 400 for a 1-Star card, and 500 for a 4 Diamond (ex Pokémon) card. Tokens are obtained by selling cards, creating a system criticized as "hilariously toxic" and a "monumental failure" by players. The system requires selling multiple high-rarity cards to trade even one, leading to significant player frustration.