Preview: Pokémon TCG Journey Together - A Return to Form for Fans of Trainer's Pokémon

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together arrives March 28, 2025, reviving a beloved mechanic absent since 2004: Trainer's Pokémon! This exciting set, reminiscent of classics like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, features iconic Trainers N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each with powerful Pokémon ex reflecting their strong bonds. Prepare for decks starring N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex!

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves

9$4.99 save 5%$4.74 at GameStop
$4.49 at Best Buy

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Build and Battle Box

8$21.99 save 5%$20.89 at GameStop

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle

7$29.99 save 5%$28.49 at GameStop

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count

8$160.99 at Best Buy
See it at GameStop

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

9See it at GameStop

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister

3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStop

This set boasts over 180 cards, including 40+ Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, three Hyper Rare gold cards, and returning Box Toppers (Enhanced Booster Display Boxes feature a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare). Let's dive into my product openings!

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a 36-pack Booster Box is exhilarating! My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Beyond the big hits, I pulled numerous strong ex cards ready for my decks. While I missed Hop's Zacian ex and Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, the sheer volume of cards made this a worthwhile experience. A Booster Box is perfect for serious pack-opening enthusiasts or those wanting to significantly expand their collection. See rare pulls below.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

The Elite Trainer Box offers a premium feel. The N's Zorua promo is a standout, and the box itself is ideal for storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are beneficial for players. Nine booster packs provide decent pull potential. While less likely to yield as many rare cards as a Booster Box, the Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex made it a satisfying experience. It's a great option for a balance of pack opening and collectible extras. See rare cards below.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

The Build & Battle Box offers a different experience. The prebuilt 40-card deck is excellent for immediate gameplay. My Hop's Snorlax promo, boosting Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage, is a valuable addition. The four included packs yielded Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly complementing my deck. Fewer packs mean fewer rare pulls, but it's the best option for quick access to the new set. Multiple promo cards make repeat purchases tempting. See pulls below.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

From 49 booster packs, we pulled 18 rare cards. Here are the highlights:

Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)

A strong Basic Pokémon with 150 HP, boosting Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage.

N’s Zorua (Promo 189)

A foundational Pokémon that evolves into something more powerful.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

A valuable card that deals damage when the attached Pokémon is hit and provides Colorless Energy.

Iono’s Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)

A powerful Lightning-type Pokémon with Energy acceleration.

Iris’s Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)

A risk-reward Supporter card that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six.

Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type support Pokémon that helps refill your hand.

N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type Pokémon that becomes more powerful with damage.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

A Water-type setup Pokémon that accelerates Basic Water Energy.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

A useful early-game Pokémon that lets you search your deck for Basic Pokémon.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

A powerful Dragon-type Pokémon that spreads damage and hits hard.

Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary Pokémon with a high-damage attack.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A Psychic-type Pokémon that heals damage each turn.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A Pokémon that spreads damage and disrupts opponents.

Veluza ex (043/159)

A high-risk, high-reward Water-type Pokémon with a powerful attack.

Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)

A Psychic-type Pokémon that counters Dragon decks.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

A Fire-type Pokémon that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

A powerful Ice-type Pokémon that can search your deck for Pokémon.

Salamence ex (114/159)

A second pull of this powerful Dragon-type Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is a highly anticipated expansion. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic and strategic element. Whether you're a collector, a competitive player, or a nostalgia enthusiast, this set offers something for everyone. With cards like N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, and the Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, there are many exciting cards to chase. Start planning your purchases now!

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves

9$4.99 save 5%$4.74 at GameStop
$4.49 at Best Buy

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Build and Battle Box

8$21.99 save 5%$20.89 at GameStop

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle

7$29.99 save 5%$28.49 at GameStop

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count

8$160.99 at Best Buy
See it at GameStop

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

9See it at GameStop

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister

3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStop