Pokémon TCG Pocket’s latest major update delivers the highly anticipated Space Time Smackdown expansion, featuring Pokémon Diamond and Pearl themes. 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 (52 alternate art Star and Crown rarity cards compared to Genetic Apex’s 60). 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 now has an ex Pokémon, except Dragon, with Darkness gaining two.
Every Alternate Art 'Secret' Card in Pokémon TCG Pocket: Space Time Smackdown
52 Images
A significant addition is the introduction of Pokémon Tool cards. These attachable items enhance active Pokémon in battle. Space Time Smackdown includes Giant Cape (+20 HP), Rocky Helmet (deals 20 HP to the opponent when the active trainer takes damage), and Lum Berry (removes conditions like Poison).
Battles
Space Time Smackdown introduces new Solo Battles across Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert tiers (eight, nine, and eight respectively; Beginner remains unchanged). 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 significantly with powerful cards like Infernape ex (140 damage for two Fire Energy, discarding both on impact) and Palkia ex (150 damage for four Energy, plus 20 damage to each benched Pokémon at the cost of three Energy). Weavile ex offers a versatile single-energy attack (30 or 70 damage depending on opponent's damage). Steel-type decks receive a major boost with Dialga ex and other additions.
Missions and Rewards
New missions accompany the expansion, similar to previous 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 full-art 2-Star cards. The "Champion of the Sinnoh Region" mission rewards players for 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 celebratory gift of 500 Trading Tokens was given to players. New shop items include Dialga and Palkia album covers, the Lovely Hearts backdrop, and a Cynthia-themed Poké Gold bundle.
Trading
Creatures Inc. remains silent on the controversial trading update. While a "Trade Feature Celebration Gift" (500 Trade Tokens and 120 Trade Hourglasses) was provided, concerns remain regarding the Trade Token system. Trading cards of 3 Diamonds or higher requires Trade Tokens obtained by selling cards. The cost to trade is high, requiring players to sell multiple high-rarity cards to trade even a single high-rarity card. This system has drawn significant criticism from the community.
