Pokémon TCG Pocket's first major expansion, Space-Time Smackdown, is here and it's fantastic. Much more than just extra cards for the popular digital card game., the expansion establishes Pokémon TCG Pocket as a game I'll be returning to as long as the developers keep up the pace of new releases.

Good news! You can finally trade cards with friends in Pokémon TCG Pocket. Bad news! It sucks. It feels even more limited and backwards than when it was originally teased, and fans are in full revolt over the long-anticipated feature’s completely bungled rollout.

The Pokémon Company probably sees the circuitousness of Pocket ’s trading system as a clever way to make the game stickier. But compared to other tactics like Pocket ’s regular events built around battling, it feels somewhat predatory and like something that doesn’t offer much value to players.

As is the case with every new set release, the addition of Space Time Smackdown has brought new Solo Battles to Pokémon TCG Pocket. Eight new battles are available in the Intermediate tier, nine are available in the Advanced tier, and eight are available in the Expert tier, though none have been added to the simplest Beginner tier.

This Lucario deck in Pokemon TCG Pocket functions very similarly to our Aerodactyl ex deck, but this time around, we’re forgoing Mankey and Primeape for Riolu and Lucario instead, who allow our team of Fighting-type ‘mons to deal even more damage to opponents.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is set to release it's long awaited trade feature alongside anew set of card packs titled "Space-Time Smackdown".