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

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together, set to launch on March 28, 2025, is a thrilling addition to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This nostalgic feature, reminiscent of the classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, adds a unique layer of personality to battles, and I'm thrilled to give you a sneak peek at what this set has to offer.

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

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3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStopThis expansion centers around four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with Pokémon ex that reflect the strong bonds they share with their teams. Whether you're looking to build a deck with N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, Journey Together offers ample opportunities to showcase these dynamic duos.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

With over 180 cards to discover, this set includes more than 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Box Toppers are making a comeback, featuring an Enhanced Booster Display Box with 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 builds with every pull. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even without the big hits, I pulled many solid ex cards that will enhance my decks.

Although I didn't pull the coveted Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, the thrill of opening a Booster Box made it a rewarding experience. For those who love opening packs and want to boost their collection, a Booster Box is a fantastic investment.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

The Elite Trainer Box offers a premium experience. The N's Zorua promo card immediately caught my eye, and the box's design is perfect for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are great for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still a chance for some exciting pulls.

Despite having fewer packs, I managed to pull Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These pulls made the opening worthwhile, and the structured nature of the Elite Trainer Box is perfect for those seeking both fun and collectibles.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

The Build & Battle Box offers a unique experience. The prebuilt 40-card deck lets you jump right into a game. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, a valuable card that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage.

The four packs included yielded Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly fitting my deck's theme. If you're eager to start playing with the new set quickly, the Build & Battle Box is the best choice.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

From 49 booster packs across all products, I pulled 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Here's a detailed look at my pulls:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

A robust Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that enhances all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage. Ideal for Trainer-themed decks, its Dynamic Press hits hard, despite the 80 recoil damage. The ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

This cute card with 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch is a stepping stone to evolve into Zoroark ex, which could be a powerhouse in this set.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An essential card that deals 20 damage every time the attached Pokémon is hit, serving both offensive and defensive purposes. It also provides Colorless Energy, making it a must-have.

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

With 280 HP, this Lightning-type Pokémon accelerates Energy with its Electric Streamer ability, making it a key component in Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt delivers 230 damage, even if it means skipping a turn.

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

This risk-reward Supporter allows you to discard one card and draw until you have six, perfect for decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. The full art adds to its allure.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, requiring the discard of a Lightning Energy. While Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, it's the hand advantage that counts.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

This 130 HP Dragon-type becomes more lethal as it takes damage. Powerful Rage and Virtuous Flame offer high-risk, high-reward plays.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

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

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable card helps early-game setup with Call for Family, which searches your deck for two Basic Pokémon. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub's utility lies in setup.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

With 320 HP, this Dragon-type spreads damage with Wide Blast and hits hard with Dragon Impact, making it a formidable force.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

This Steel-type legendary delivers 240 damage with Brave Slash, though it can't be used consecutively. Insta-Strike spreads minor damage, but Zacian is designed for knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A Psychic-type that heals 30 damage each turn with Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is reliable, but Alcremie excels in sustain and control.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

This tricky Pokémon spreads damage with Mischievous Hands and disrupts with Ghostly Trip, which deals 120 damage and Confuses the opponent's Active Pokémon.

Veluza ex (043/159)

A Water-type that hits for 240 damage with Purging Strike, requiring you to discard your entire hand. High-risk, high-reward, with Razor Fin's 30 damage as a minimal backup.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, making them weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo scales damage based on Bench size, offering late-game sweep potential.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

A Fire-type that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon with Scalding Steam. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is solid, enhanced by moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

With 340 HP, this tank searches your deck for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March's damage scales with Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a powerhouse in evolution decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

Another pull of this formidable Dragon-type with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. Ideal for those who enjoy hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together promises to be one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG expansions in recent years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic touch, enhancing battles with personal flair. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive play, or 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, now is the perfect time to plan your card hunt. Whether you're after N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, Journey Together is packed with incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.