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Pokémon TCG Journey Together: A Nostalgic Return for Trainer Fans

Author : Ryan Update:May 12,2025

The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together expansion is set to launch on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This nostalgic feature, reminiscent of classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, adds a personal touch to the game, and I'm thrilled to offer a sneak peek into what this set has in store.

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

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$21.99 save 5%
$20.89 at GameStop

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

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$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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$160.99 at Best Buy
See it at GameStop

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

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See it at GameStop

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

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$14.99 save 5%
$14.24 at GameStop

This set spotlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their unique Pokémon ex, highlighting the special bonds they share with their teams. If you're eager to build a deck featuring N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, Journey Together is your chance to shine.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

With over 180 cards to explore, there's no shortage of excitement. The set boasts over 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Plus, Box Toppers are back, with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes featuring a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience. With 36 packs, each pull feels thrilling. My standout cards included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and the Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even without the big hits, I managed to pull many solid ex cards perfect for my decks.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Unfortunately, I didn't get Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes—plenty of chances, but no guarantees. Overall, it was the best way to dive into the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is a great investment. Check out all the rare pulls further down; this box was absolutely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium experience. The N's Zorua promo immediately caught my attention, and the box itself is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are perfect for players, and with nine booster packs, there's ample opportunity for exciting pulls.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Although I wasn't expecting too much from just nine packs, I still managed to pull Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening worthwhile. While ETBs don't offer as many hits as a Booster Box, they provide a structured, all-in-one experience. If you're after a mix of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a great way to engage with Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview below; we ended up with some serious gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique thrill compared to Booster or Elite Trainer Boxes. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump right into playing. My promo card was Hop's Snorlax, a solid card that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it vital for decks featuring his lineup.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

The four packs delivered Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly fitting my deck's theme. While you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, Build & Battle Boxes are the fastest way to start playing with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm tempted to buy another box to see what I'll get next. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below to see some of the best cards we got from all our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

After opening 49 booster packs across various products, I pulled 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will certainly pull more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's a rundown of my pulls:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A robust Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that enhances all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. This card is a must-have for any Trainer-themed deck. Dynamic Press packs a punch, though the 80 recoil damage is significant. Nonetheless, its ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-focused strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

While cute, this card is more of a stepping stone to something greater. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't turn heads on its own, but if Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

An essential card for my decks, dealing 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to is hit. It's both offensive and defensive and provides Colorless Energy. A definite game-changer.

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

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with unparalleled Energy acceleration. Its Electric Streamer ability lets you attach unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono's Pokémon, making it a crucial engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt hits for 230 damage, despite requiring a turn skip. This card is sure to see competitive play.

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

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A risk-reward Supporter that 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. Plus, it's a stunning full art.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Lightning-type support Pokémon with Flashing Draw, which refills your hand after discarding a Lightning Energy. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is moderate, but this card excels at providing hand advantage.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A 130 HP Dragon-type that grows more formidable with damage taken. Powerful Rage can escalate quickly, and Virtuous Flame hits for 170 damage, though it's Energy-intensive. A perfect card for those who enjoy high-risk, high-reward plays.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Water-type setup Pokémon that accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering, making it battle-ready quickly. Ice Blast delivers 110 damage, a solid choice for any Water deck.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A charming card that's invaluable early-game. Call for Family allows you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, essential for setup. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub's role isn't to attack.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A 320 HP Dragon-type beast that excels at spreading damage and delivering heavy hits. Wide Blast damages every Benched Pokémon for 50, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, albeit with a two-Energy discard cost. A true powerhouse.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Steel-type legendary with a devastating 240-damage attack. Brave Slash's inability to be used consecutively requires strategic switching. Insta-Strike provides minor spread damage, but Zacian is all about one-hit knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Psychic-type focused on support, healing 30 damage each turn with Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but this card shines as a sustain option in control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A tricky Pokémon that 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 your opponent's strategy.

Veluza ex (043/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Water-type glass cannon that can hit for 240 damage by discarding your entire hand with Purging Strike. A high-risk, high-reward card, as Razor Fin's 30 damage is negligible.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Psychic-type that penalizes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, making all Dragon Pokémon weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo's damage scales with both players' Bench size, making it a potential late-game sweeper.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

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

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A 340 HP tank that can search your deck for any Pokémon once per turn with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage and scales up with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a nightmare in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

The second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm not complaining. It retains the same brutal power as the other, with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. A must-have for fans of hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is poised to be one of the most thrilling Pokémon TCG expansions in recent years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic touch that enhances the gameplay. Whether you're collecting for the stunning artwork, competitive value, or sheer 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 Buy
See it at GameStop

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

9
See it at GameStop

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

3
$14.99 save 5%
$14.24 at GameStop

With the release date of March 28 just around the corner, now's the perfect time to plan which cards you want to chase. Whether it's N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, there's no shortage of incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.

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