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

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together is set to launch on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. Fans of classics like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua will be thrilled to see this nostalgic feature return. This set promises to be a thrilling addition to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, and I'm excited to give you a preview of what to expect.

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

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3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStopThis set is centered around four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with Pokémon ex that highlight their unique bonds with their teams. If you've ever dreamed of building a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, Journey Together is your chance to do just that.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

With over 180 cards, there's a lot to look forward to. 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 back as well, 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, the excitement of every pull is amplified. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even outside of these big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that are perfect for my decks.

Unfortunately, I didn't pull Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes. You get plenty of chances, but nothing is guaranteed. Still, this was the best way to dive into the set. If you love opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is the way to go. Check out all the rare pulls further down. This box was definitely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a more premium feel compared to loose packs. The N's Zorua promo immediately caught my eye, and the box itself is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are great for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still a good chance for some exciting pulls.

Despite only having nine packs, I managed to pull 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, the structured, all-in-one product is appealing. If you want a mix of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a great choice for experiencing Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down. We ended up with some serious gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience compared to Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes. The highlight is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to start playing immediately. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, which is a fantastic card. Its ability boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs included did not disappoint. I pulled Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly fit my deck's theme. Although you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, this is the best option if you want to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm already tempted to pick up another box. 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 our 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 an extra 30 damage. This card is perfect for any Trainer-themed deck, and while Dynamic Press packs a punch, the 80 recoil damage is a drawback. Nonetheless, its ability makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

A charming card that serves as a precursor to a stronger evolution. 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. It deals 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to is hit, serving both offensive and defensive purposes. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy. A must-have.

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

A powerful Lightning-type Pokémon with 280 HP and excellent Energy acceleration. Its Electric Streamer ability allows unlimited Lightning Energy attachments to Iono's Pokémon, making it a key engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt hits for 230 damage, though it requires skipping a turn. This card will definitely see competitive play.

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

A strategic 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 is an added bonus.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, requiring you to discard a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this card is all about hand advantage.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes more potent as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can deal significant damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid but Energy-intensive. Ideal for high-risk, high-reward strategies.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

A Water-type setup Pokémon that accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable, making it a great starter for Water decks.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable card is useful early-game. Call for Family lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, aiding setup. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub's true value lies in its setup capabilities.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

This 320 HP Dragon-type powerhouse excels at spreading damage and delivering heavy hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to each Benched Pokémon, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, requiring the discard of two Energy. A formidable card.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a 240-damage attack. The limitation of Brave Slash is that it can't be used consecutively, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike offers minor spread damage, but Zacian is designed for one-hit knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A Psychic-type support Pokémon that heals 30 damage each turn thanks to its Confectionary Gift ability. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is decent, 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 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 deal 240 damage if you discard your entire hand. Purging Strike is high-risk, high-reward, while Razor Fin's 30 damage is negligible. This card is all about going all-in.

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's damage scales with both players' Bench size, making it a potential late-game sweeper.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

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

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

A tank with 340 HP that 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 threat in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

The second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm thrilled. It boasts the same brutal power as the other, with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. Perfect for players who love hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is poised to be one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG expansions in recent years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon, a nostalgic feature absent for years, adds depth and personality to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive edge, 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 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 its March 28 release date approaching, it's time to plan which cards you'll 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.