Pokémon TCG Pocket has just unveiled its latest expansion, the Space-Time Smackdown set, featuring a wide array of impressive Pokémon ex cards. This addition to the Pokémon TCG Pocket series boasts over 150 new cards along with more than 50 alternate art designs, making it a treasure trove for collectors. The highlight of this expansion includes the new Pokémon Tool cards, which offer unique effects and benefits when attached to specific Pokémon. However, it’s the Pokémon ex cards that most players will focus on, as these typically serve as the foundation for new deck strategies.
What sets Pokémon ex cards apart in Space-Time Smackdown are their combination of potent attacks and a plethora of alternate art variations. Each Pokémon ex card features at least three different renditions, which may include a full art version as well as a Special Illustration Rare or an Immersive Art card. Notably, Palkia ex and Dialga ex take this further with exclusive Gold Art cards, making several Pokémon ex cards in this set essential additions to any collection.
10 Mismagius Ex
Psychic-Type Pokémon
Among the new releases, Mismagius ex stands out as the least powerful addition. Its attack, Magical Delusion, inflicts 70 damage using only two Psychic-type Energy. However, this seems rather underwhelming for a Stage 1 Pokémon also classified as an ex card. While this attack can also inflict Confusion, it’s less potent since players can still retreat a Confused Pokémon and have a 50% chance of executing their attack successfully.
Illustrating Mismagius’s dual nature, its Special Illustration Rare card, crafted by Kuroimori, depicts a whimsical scene where Mismagius observes a couple in love, surrounded by heart-shaped flower petals. This imagery reflects the Pokémon’s lesser-known ability to cast love spells, contributing to its elusive allure in the wild.
9 Dialga ex
Steel-Type Pokémon
Although Dialga ex serves as a prominent feature of Space-Time Smackdown, its card attributes disappoint. While it offers two attacks, their effectiveness is notably limited: Metallic Turbo does only 30 damage yet allows for energy retrieval from the Energy Zone for a Benched Pokémon, while Heavy Impact inflicts 100 damage at the steep cost of four energy (two Steel and two Colorless).
The animation for Dialga’s Immersive Art card is unremarkable. Depicting Dialga transitioning over a barren desert landscape to a lake bed, it carries a thematic connection to time but lacks the excitement found in other immersive art cards throughout the Pokémon TCG Pocket.
8 Lickilicky Ex
Normal-Type Pokémon
Lickilicky ex may have a captivating Special Illustration Rare card, but it suffers from an excessively high energy cost for its attack, Licking Fury, which does a minimum of 100 damage. Players flip a coin until they encounter a tail, adding 40 damage for each head, leading to variability that brings inconsistency. In contrast, Celebi ex/Serperior provides more reliable damage for a lower energy expenditure.
The standout aspect of Lickilicky ex is its Special Illustration Rare card, brilliantly illustrated by Jerky, showcasing the Pokémon as it gleefully devours berries from great heights, perfectly encapsulating its whimsical essence.
7 Gallade Ex
Fighting-type Pokémon
Gallade ex may possess potential as a counter against various decks, but it’s difficult to gauge its effectiveness at this stage. As a Fighting-type Pokémon, it evolves from a Psychic-type line, which might limit its practical applications. This card boasts robust health at 170 HP and offers an attack that scales with the energy of the opposing Active Pokémon, allowing Gallade to strike back for 150 damage against Pokémon with four energies attached.
Ultimately, Gallade’s viability depends on its matchup with opponents. Against energy-heavy decks or threats like Pikachu ex, Gallade ex may prove formidable. However, because it is a Stage 2 Pokémon, it takes time to evolve, which could affect its playability.
The Special Illustration Rare card by Takumi Wada compellingly showcases Gallade reflecting on its might while standing in tranquil water, offering an introspective take on this fierce warrior.
6 Yanmega Ex
Grass-Type Pokémon
While the introduction of Celebi ex has empowered Grass-type decks, Yanmega ex may not replicate that success. Its main attack, Air Slash, while capable of delivering 120 damage, requires a random energy discard. This mechanic means that while Yanmega can deal substantial damage, players need to ensure energy acceleration to keep momentum and prevent stalling.
On the positive side, Yanmega ex relies solely on Colorless Energy, allowing it to merge smoothly into varied deck strategies, potentially benefiting Mewtwo ex decks. Its ability to knock out both Weavile ex and Darkrai ex, which are anticipated to dominate the current meta, further enhances its appeal.
The artwork for Yanmega’s Special Illustration Rare card by Mina Nakai is serene, featuring the Pokémon resting on a tree against a sunset backdrop. While visually pleasant, it lacks the dynamism of other cards in the current expansion.
5 On the ex
Electric-Type Pokémon
Pachirisu ex provides a unique alternative to traditional Pikachu ex decks but relies on the inclusion of Pokémon Tools for its effectiveness. With a health of 120 and an attack requiring two Electric-type energies, it may seem analogous to Pikachu ex. However, its Sparking Gadget attack is limited to 40 damage unless a Pokémon Tool is attached, edging it out in versatility compared to Pikachu.
Yet, various Pokémon Tools can enhance Pachirisu’s capabilities significantly. Tools like Royal Cape can boost its HP, and Rocky Helmet deals damage to opponents attacking it. Plus, Pachirisu ex’s attack doesn’t depend on Electric-type Pokémon reserves on the bench, providing valuable tactical options.
Illustrated by Nurikabe, the Special Illustration Rare card for Pachirisu ex creatively depicts a group of Pachirisu darting through tree branches, with a dynamic spotlight on one prominently sparking Pachirisu, subtly indicating the presence of four other Pokémon in the background.
4 Beams ex
Water-Type Pokémon
Among the Legendary Pokémon featured, Palkia ex shines for its robust attack and an impressive Immersive Art card. Designed for Water-type decks that already boast strength through Gyarados ex, Palkia ex introduces further potency with Dimensional Storm, which delivers 150 damage to an opponent’s active Pokémon and splashes 20 damage across the opponent’s bench.
Although Dimensional Storm requires the sacrifice of three energies, limiting its use per game, Palkia ex essentially acts as a more formidable alternative to Articuno ex. Its Immersive Art card captures Palkia navigating a maze of stairs reminiscent of M. C.Escher’s style, rendered in a beautifully executed sketch format.
3 Weavile Ex
Dark-Type Pokémon
Weavile ex emerges as one of the notable additions among Dark-type Pokémon in Space-Time Smackdown and has the potential to become a formidable asset. Its attack, Scratching Nails, offers 30 damage against undamaged Pokémon and escalates to 70 against those with damage already inflicted. This flexibility, paired with the use of a single Darkness Energy, makes it immediately viable in various competitive scenarios.
Additionally, Weavile’s Special Illustration Rare card features a captivating scene of several Weavile lurking amidst trees, giving the impression of stalking a trundling Swinub through the snow. The design hints at an impending attack, showcasing the darker themes present in the Pokémon universe.
2 Infernape Ex
Fire-Type Pokémon
Infernape ex presents a creative homage to its mythological influences while being a robust addition to Fire-type decks. With its attack Flare Blitz inflicting a hefty 140 damage, it demands a cost of discarding all Fire Energy attached. Despite the higher risk factor, the attack’s low energy requirements provide a fascinating alternative to Charizard ex.
Infernape’s Special Illustration Rare card is a spectacle, featuring the Pokémon surfing atop a flaming rock expelled from a volcano, evoking the legendary Monkey King, Son Goku. This illustration captures the essence of movement as it emphasizes Infernape’s audacious spirit.
1 Darkrai Ex
Dark-Type Pokémon
Topping the list of Pokémon ex cards is Darkrai ex, celebrated for its unique ability, Nightmare Aura, dealing 20 damage for each Darkness Energy linked from the player’s Energy Zone. This ability is unlimited per turn, hinting at tremendous potential in future sets where Dark-type Pokémon might receive new energy acceleration options.
Even in its current form, Darkrai ex harmonizes excellently with Weavile ex, setting up opponents for hefty damage from the bench. Together, they form a formidable duo, enhancing the competitive landscape of Space-Time Smackdown. The art on Darkrai’s Special Illustration Rare card is hauntingly beautiful; it features Darkrai looming over a young boy in his room, encapsulating the sport’s darker themes more effectively than before.
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