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

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together launches March 28th, 2025, reviving a beloved mechanic absent since 2004: Trainer 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. If you've dreamt of decks centered around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, your wish is granted!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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This set boasts over 180 cards, including 40+ Trainer 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).

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 perfect for deck building. Even without my most-wanted cards (Hop’s Zacian ex and Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare), this was the most rewarding way to experience the set's vast card pool. If you enjoy pack openings or want to significantly expand your collection, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium experience. The N’s Zorua promo is eye-catching, and the box itself is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are valuable for players, and the nine booster packs offer solid pull potential. While fewer packs mean fewer potential rare pulls compared to a Booster Box, the structured presentation and extras make it a worthwhile purchase for a blend of pack opening fun and collectibles.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes provide a different experience. The pre-built 40-card deck allows immediate gameplay. My Hop’s Snorlax promo is a powerful addition to Hop-themed decks due to its damage-boosting ability. The four included packs yielded Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly complementing my deck. While fewer rare pulls are expected compared to a Booster Box, it's the ideal option for quickly diving into gameplay with the new set. Multiple promo card possibilities encourage repeat purchases.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

From 49 booster packs, we uncovered 18 rare cards—a higher rare card rate than Prismatic Evolutions. Here are the highlights:

Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184) - A powerful Basic Pokémon boosting Hop's Pokémon attacks.

N’s Zorua (Promo 189) - A valuable evolution stage for Zoroark ex.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159) - A versatile Energy card dealing damage when the attached Pokémon is hit.

Iono’s Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159) - A powerful Lightning-type Pokémon ex with Energy acceleration.

Iris’s Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159) - A risk-reward Supporter card for hand refreshing.

Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159) - A Lightning-type support Pokémon offering hand advantage.

N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159) - A Dragon-type Pokémon whose power increases with damage taken.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159) - A Water-type setup Pokémon with Energy acceleration.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159) - A support Pokémon useful for early-game setup.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159) - A powerful Dragon-type Pokémon ex with spread damage and high attack power.

Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159) - A Steel-type legendary Pokémon ex with high attack power.

Alcremie ex (075/159) - A Psychic-type Pokémon with healing abilities.

Mimikyu ex (069/159) - A Pokémon that excels at spreading damage.

Veluza ex (043/159) - A high-risk, high-reward Water-type Pokémon ex.

Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159) - A Psychic-type Pokémon ex that counters Dragon-type Pokémon.

Volcanion ex (031/159) - A Fire-type Pokémon ex that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon.

Mamoswine ex (079/159) - A powerful Ice-type Pokémon ex with deck searching abilities.

Salamence ex (114/159) - A second pull of this powerful Dragon-type Pokémon ex.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is a highly anticipated expansion, marking the return of Trainer Pokémon. Whether you're a collector drawn to stunning artwork, a competitive player seeking valuable cards, or a nostalgic fan, this set offers something for everyone. With a March 28th release, plan your target cards now—from N’s Reshiram to Iono’s Bellibolt ex and the coveted Hyper Rare Spiky Energy—the possibilities are exciting!

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 BuySee 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