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's Pokémon! This exciting set, reminiscent of classics like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, features four iconic Trainers—N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop—each with powerful Pokémon ex reflecting their bonds. Get ready to build decks centered around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex!

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'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).

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 pulls, I found many strong ex cards for my decks. While I missed Hop's Zacian ex and Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, the sheer number of packs made it a worthwhile experience. For pack-opening enthusiasts or those wanting a collection boost, a Booster Box is a must.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

The Elite Trainer Box offers a premium feel. The N's Zorua promo is fantastic, and the box itself is perfect for storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are excellent for players. Despite fewer packs (nine), I pulled Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex—a great mix of pack-opening fun and collectible extras. ETBs might lack the sheer volume of a Booster Box, but the curated experience is appealing.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

The Build & Battle Box provides a different experience. The pre-built 40-card deck allows immediate gameplay. I received Hop's Snorlax promo (a great card boosting Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage). The four included packs yielded Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly complementing my deck. Fewer rare pulls than a Booster Box are expected, but this is ideal for quick entry into gameplay. Multiple promo card possibilities make it highly replayable.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

From 49 packs, we pulled 18 rare cards—a mix of expected and surprising finds. Here are the highlights:

Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)

N’s Zorua (Promo 189)

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

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

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

Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)

Alcremie ex (075/159)

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

Veluza ex (043/159)

Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)

Volcanion ex (031/159)

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

Salamence ex (114/159)

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is a highly anticipated expansion. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a unique dimension. Whether you're a collector, competitive player, or nostalgic fan, this set offers something for everyone. With N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, and the coveted Hyper Rare Spiky Energy among the many exciting cards, start planning your pulls 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