The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (TCGP) is gearing up for a major content update with the highly anticipated Space-Time Smackdown expansion. Scheduled to release on January 30, 2025, this Diamond and Pearl-themed set introduces a plethora of exciting features, including new Pokémon cards, gameplay mechanics, and the long-awaited trading system. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for this monumental update.
Release Date and Size
Release Date: January 30, 2025 (though some sources suggest January 29).
Number of Cards: Over 140 cards, smaller than the 286-card Genetic Apex set but much larger than the Mythical Island set (approximately 70 cards).
Booster Packs: Two new packs featuring Dialga and Palkia.
Theme: Focused on the Sinnoh Region (Generation 4).
Highlights of the Space-Time Smackdown Expansion
The expansion features a mix of iconic Sinnoh region Pokémon and fan-favorites. Early reveals include:
Dialga ex (Steel-type Legendary)
Palkia ex (Water-type Legendary)
Pachirisu ex (Electric-type)
Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup (Sinnoh’s starter Pokémon)
Leafeon (Grass-type)
Lucario (Fighting-type) and Garchomp (Dragon-type), alongside their pre-evolutions
Honchkrow (Dark-type)
Cresselia and Togekiss
Cynthia (Trainer card)
Some cards also feature alternate artwork, further adding to the collector’s appeal. Speculations suggest evolutions for revealed cards will appear in the full set.
Top Contender: Palkia ex
One standout card from the promotional trailer is Palkia ex
HP: 150
Slash: A 30-damage attack costing 1 Water Energy.
Dimensional Storm: A 150-damage attack costing 4 Water Energy, dealing an additional 20 damage to each of the opponent’s benched Pokémon.
New Gameplay Mechanic: Pokémon Tools
The Space-Time Smackdown expansion introduces Pokémon Tools, a mechanic from the physical TCG. These cards function like “Held Items” from the video games, offering unique buffs to active or benched Pokémon. While specific examples haven’t been revealed yet, players can expect strategic depth as each Pokémon can only hold one tool at a time, and tools cannot be removed once equipped.
Trading Feature Launch
The long-awaited trading system is set to debut on January 29, 2025, one day before the Space-Time Smackdown expansion.
While this new feature is a step toward fostering social interaction, it comes with several restrictions:
Tradeable Cards: Only cards with a rarity of ♦ 1-4 and ★ 1 are tradeable. Rare and crown-rarity cards, like gold Charizard ex, are excluded.
Currencies Needed: Players must use Trade Hourglasses and Trade Tokens to complete trades.
Limitations: Current cooldowns suggest players can perform only a few trades weekly without spending real money.
Controversy
The trading system’s limitations have drawn criticism from the community, particularly its reliance on multiple in-game currencies and the inability to trade cards from the Space-Time Smackdown expansion at launch. While the developers have acknowledged feedback, no immediate changes are planned.
Comparison to Previous Sets
Genetic Apex (October 2024)
Card Count: 286
Notable Cards: Featured iconic Legendary Pokémon across all generations.
Completion Time: Estimated two years for free-to-play players.
Mythical Island (December 2024)
Card Count: ~70
Notable Cards: Focused on rare Mythical Pokémon with minimal filler cards.
Space-Time Smackdown (January 2025)
Card Count: 140+ (excluding alternate art)
Theme: Sinnoh region, with Legendary Pokémon and starter evolutions as key highlights.
Early Recommendations for Players
Collectors
Save Pack Hourglasses: With over 140 cards to collect, ensure you have enough to maximize your pulls.
Prioritize Palkia ex and Dialga ex: These cards are likely to be game-changers.
Competitive Players
Focus on Synergies: Pair cards like Palkia ex with Trainer cards that enhance Water-types for an early advantage.
Experiment with Pokémon Tools: These could create new strategies, particularly for bench-heavy decks.
Casual Players
Explore Trading: Use the feature to complete your collections for older expansions, such as Mythical Island and Genetic Apex.
Enjoy the Artwork: Space-Time Smackdown is packed with visually stunning cards, perfect for display or casual play.
Early Card Reveals
Lucario
Dialga ex
Palkia ex
Turtwig
Chimchar
Piplup
The Space-Time Smackdown expansion promises to breathe new life into Pokémon TCG Pocket. With its focus on Sinnoh-region favorites, the introduction of Pokémon Tools, and a controversial but promising trading feature, this update is set to excite collectors and competitive players alike. Mark your calendars for January 30, 2025, and get ready to bend time and space on the battlefield!