"Pokémon TCG Journey Together: A Nostalgic Return for Trainer's Pokémon Fans"

The Pokémon Trading Card Game's Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This nostalgic return harkens back to classics like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, and I'm thrilled to share a preview of what's in store.

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

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$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
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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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$14.99 save 5%
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This set spotlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with unique Pokémon ex that highlight their deep connections with their teams. If you've been dreaming of building decks featuring N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, your time has come.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

With over 180 cards, there's a treasure trove to explore. The set includes over 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Box Toppers are also 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 is filled with anticipation. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were thrilling moments, and even beyond the big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards perfect for my decks.

While I didn't find Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, that's the thrill of Booster Boxes—nothing is guaranteed, but the variety of chances is unmatched. For anyone who loves the excitement of opening packs or wants to boost their collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic 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 beyond just packs. The N's Zorua promo card immediately caught my attention, and the box itself is perfect for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are ideal for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still plenty of opportunity for great pulls.

With only nine packs, I didn't expect anything too extraordinary, but I still managed to pull Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These exciting cards made the opening worthwhile. While Elite Trainer Boxes don't offer as many hits as a Booster Box, the structured, all-in-one product is a great way to enjoy Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down. We uncovered some real gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique experience compared to Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes, providing instant excitement. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to dive right into gameplay. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo card, a fantastic addition that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage, making it nearly indispensable in any deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs didn't disappoint either. I pulled Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly complementing my deck's theme. While you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, the Build & Battle Box is the quickest way to start playing with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager 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

I opened 49 booster packs across all products and ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I was hoping for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will definitely pull more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here’s what I pulled:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

A sturdy Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that enhances all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 extra damage. This card is a must-have for any Trainer-themed deck, and despite Dynamic Press's 80 recoil damage, the ability alone makes it a valuable addition to Hop-based strategies.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

A cute but modest card that evolves into something more formidable. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's not a standout, but if Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An essential card for my decks, dealing 20 damage every time the attached Pokémon is hit, making it both offensive and defensive while also providing Colorless Energy. A definite game-changer.

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

A powerhouse Lightning-type with 280 HP and Energy acceleration capabilities. Its Electric Streamer ability allows unlimited Lightning Energy attachment to Iono's Pokémon, making it an instant engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, even if it means skipping a turn. This card will definitely see play.

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

A risk-reward draw Supporter that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. Perfect for refreshing your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. Its full art design makes it even more appealing.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type support Pokémon that replenishes your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, though it requires discarding a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this bird is all about hand advantage.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes more dangerous as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can deliver serious numbers, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid but requires a lot of Energy. Ideal for high-risk, high-reward plays.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

A Water-type setup Pokémon that can accelerate two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable, making it a great starting piece for any Water deck.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable card is highly useful early-game. Call for Family lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, which is crucial for setup. Lunge Out's 10 damage isn't much, but Swinub is all about setup, not attacking.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

This 320 HP Dragon-type is a beast that excels at spreading damage and delivering powerful hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, and Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage at the cost of two Energy. A formidable card.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a potent 240-damage attack. The catch is that Brave Slash can't be used consecutively, requiring a switching strategy. Insta-Strike provides some spread damage, but Zacian is designed for one-hit knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

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

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage. Mischievous Hands places three damage counters on two of your opponent's Pokémon, setting up future knockouts. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, disrupting their strategy.

Veluza ex (043/159)

A Water-type glass cannon that can hit for 240 damage by discarding your entire hand. Purging Strike is a high-risk, high-reward move, while Razor Fin's 30 damage is minimal. This card is all about going all-in or nothing.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with its Fairy Zone ability, making all Dragon Pokémon weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo scales its damage based on both players' Bench size, making it a potential late-game powerhouse.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

A Fire-type that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon just by being in play, thanks to its Scalding Steam ability. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is excellent, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon enhances its value.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

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

Salamence ex (114/159)

I pulled a second Salamence ex, and I'm not complaining. It boasts the same brutal power with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. If you love big, hard-hitting Pokémon, this is your card.

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, a nostalgic feature absent for years, adds a new layer of personality to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive play, or pure 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 its release date of March 28, 2025, just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning which cards you want to pursue. Whether it's N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, there's an abundance of incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.