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

The Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is slated for release on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a beloved mechanic that fans haven't seen since 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This nostalgic feature, reminiscent of the classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, adds a personal touch to your battles, and I'm thrilled to give you a sneak peek into this exciting new set.

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

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7$29.99 save 5%$28.49 at GameStop### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count

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3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStopThis set spotlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their unique Pokémon ex cards that reflect the deep bonds they share with their teams. Whether you're keen on building a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, Journey Together offers you the perfect opportunity to do so.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

With over 180 cards to discover, this set is packed with treasures to chase. It features more than 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Plus, the return of Box Toppers adds an extra thrill, with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes showcasing a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience. With 36 packs, the excitement of every pull is unmatched. My highlights included pulling N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy—each moment filled with anticipation. Beyond these big hits, I also snagged plenty of solid ex cards that are ready to enhance my decks.

Unfortunately, I didn't pull the coveted Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but that's the thrill and unpredictability of Booster Boxes. They offer numerous opportunities for great pulls, though nothing is guaranteed. For those who love the thrill of opening packs and want to boost their collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic investment. Check out all the rare pulls detailed below; this box was definitely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

The Elite Trainer Box offers a more premium feel compared to loose packs. The N's Zorua promo card immediately caught my eye, and the box itself is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are perfect for any player, and with nine booster packs, there's still ample chance for exciting pulls.

Even with only nine packs, I managed to pull some gems like Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening worthwhile. While Elite Trainer Boxes may not yield as many hits as a Booster Box, they provide a structured, all-in-one experience that's perfect for those who appreciate both the excitement of pack opening and collectible extras. See the full list of rare cards from our preview below—we uncovered some real treasures.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

The Build & Battle Box offers a unique experience compared to other products, with the main attraction being a prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to dive straight into gameplay. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo card, which is excellent. Its ability boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it a crucial addition to any deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly complementing my deck's theme. Though the limited number of packs means fewer rare pulls than a Booster Box, the Build & Battle Box is the best choice for a quick start with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager to buy another box and see which one I get next. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below for a glimpse at some of the standout cards we got from all our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

Across 49 booster packs from various products, I pulled 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will find themselves pulling significantly more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's a rundown of my notable pulls:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

This robust Basic Pokémon with 150 HP enhances all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by an extra 30 damage. It's a valuable addition to any Trainer-themed deck. While Dynamic Press packs a punch, the 80 recoil damage is significant. Nonetheless, its ability makes it a worthy inclusion in any Hop-centric strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

A charming but modest card, designed mainly to evolve into something greater. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's not a standout, but if Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will shine in its own right.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An immediate staple for my decks, this card deals 20 damage every time the attached Pokémon is hit, serving both offensive and defensive roles. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy, making it an absolute must-have.

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

With 280 HP, this Lightning-type powerhouse accelerates Energy with its Electric Streamer ability, attaching unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono's Pokémon. Thunderous Bolt hits for 230 damage, albeit at the cost of skipping a turn. It's poised to be a game-changer in Lightning decks.

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

This risk-reward Supporter card lets you discard one card and draw until you have six, ideal for refreshing your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. The full art design is a bonus.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, albeit at the cost of discarding a Lightning Energy. While Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, Kilowattrel excels in providing hand advantage.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

This 130 HP Dragon-type becomes more formidable the more damage it takes. Powerful Rage can accumulate serious damage, and Virtuous Flame hits for 170, though it's Energy-intensive. It's perfect for those who enjoy high-risk, high-reward plays.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

A Water-type setup Pokémon that accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. With Ice Blast's 110 damage, it's an excellent starting piece for any Water deck.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable card is surprisingly useful early-game. Call for Family allows you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, aiding setup significantly. Lunge Out's 10 damage is negligible, but Swinub's role is clearly in setup, not combat.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

With 320 HP, this Dragon-type beast excels in spreading damage and delivering heavy hits. Wide Blast affects every Benched Pokémon with 50 damage, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, requiring the discard of two Energy. A true powerhouse.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

This Steel-type legendary boasts a devastating 240-damage attack with Brave Slash, though it can't be used consecutively. Insta-Strike offers some spread damage, but Zacian is all about one-hit knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A Psychic-type focused on support, healing 30 damage every turn with Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but Alcremie's true value lies in sustaining control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

This tricky Pokémon spreads damage with Mischievous Hands, placing three damage counters on two of your opponent's Pokémon. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, disrupting their strategy.

Veluza ex (043/159)

A Water-type glass cannon capable of 240 damage with Purging Strike, though it requires discarding your entire hand. Razor Fin's 30 damage is minimal, but Veluza is all about high-risk, high-reward plays.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

A Psychic-type that targets Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, making them weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo scales its damage based on both players' Bench size, potentially becoming a late-game sweeper.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

A Fire-type bruiser that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon with Scalding Steam. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is impressive, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon enhances its utility.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

With 340 HP, this tank can search your deck for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage but scales up with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a force in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

Pulling a second Salamence ex was a welcome surprise. It maintains the same brutal power with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a whopping 300 damage. A must-have for fans of big, hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together promises to be one of the most thrilling expansions for the Pokémon TCG in recent years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic and personal touch to the game, appealing to both collectors and competitive players. Whether you're drawn to the stunning artwork, seeking competitive edges, or simply reveling in nostalgia, this set offers something for everyone.

### 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 GameStopWith the March 28 release date approaching, it's the perfect time to decide which cards you're eager to chase. Whether it's N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, there are countless incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.