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

Get ready for an exciting new chapter in the Pokémon Trading Card Game with the upcoming release of **Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together** on March 28, 2025. This set marks the return of a beloved mechanic not seen since 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. Fans of the classics, such as EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, will find this nostalgic feature thrilling, and I'm eager to give you a sneak peek into what this set has to offer.

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This set brings the spotlight on four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each with their own Pokémon ex that highlight the strong bonds they share with their teams. If you've been dreaming of building a deck centered around 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 plenty to chase. The set boasts 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, featuring Enhanced Booster Display Boxes 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 of each pull is amplified. My highlights included N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono’s Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even beyond the big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that are perfect for my decks.

While I didn't pull Hop’s Zacian ex or Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, that's the thrill of Booster Boxes—plenty of opportunities but no guarantees. It's still the best way to dive deep into the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out the rare pulls listed below to see if it's worth it for you.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium feel compared to loose packs. The N’s Zorua promo immediately caught my attention, and the box is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are perfect for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still a good chance for 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 ETBs don't offer as many hits as Booster Boxes, the structured, all-in-one nature is appealing. If you want a blend of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is an excellent way to experience Journey Together. See the full list of our rare pulls below for some of the gems we discovered.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique experience compared to Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes. The highlight is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump right into a game. I got Hop’s Snorlax as my promo, a powerful card that boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon by 30 damage, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs included didn't disappoint, with Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare perfectly fitting my deck's theme. Although the number of packs limits rare pulls, this box is ideal for quickly starting to play with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager to try my luck with another box. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below to see the best cards we obtained from all our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

I opened 49 booster packs across all products and pulled 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will find themselves pulling far more rare cards than with Prismatic Evolutions. Here's a rundown of my pulls:

Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)

This bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. Its Dynamic Press packs a punch, though the 80 recoil damage is a trade-off. Nonetheless, its ability makes it a valuable asset for any Hop-themed deck.

N’s Zorua (Promo 189)

While a cute card with 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's primarily a stepping stone to evolve into something more powerful. If Zoroark ex shines in this set, Zorua will have its moment.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An essential card for my decks, dealing 20 damage each time the Pokémon it's attached to is hit, making it both offensive and defensive. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy, making it a must-have.

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

This Lightning-type beast with 280 HP accelerates Energy with its Electric Streamer ability, making it a powerhouse for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, though it means skipping a turn. A card destined for competitive play.

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

A strategic Supporter card that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six, perfect for refreshing your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding. Its full art design adds to its appeal.

Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

This Lightning-type support Pokémon refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, though it requires discarding a Lightning Energy. Its 70 damage from Mach Bolt is average, but it's all about maintaining hand advantage.

N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type that escalates its damage output as it takes hits. Powerful Rage can lead to high damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is potent 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, making it battle-ready quickly. Ice Blast's 110 damage is solid, making it a great starter for Water decks.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable Pokémon is useful early-game, allowing you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon with Call for Family. Its 10 damage from Lunge Out is minimal, but it's all about setting up your game.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

This 320 HP Dragon-type is formidable, spreading damage with Wide Blast and hitting hard with Dragon Impact's 300 damage, albeit at the cost of discarding two Energy. A true powerhouse.

Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a 240-damage attack, Brave Slash, which can't be used consecutively, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike provides spread damage, but it's all about the knockout punch.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

This Psychic Pokémon heals 30 damage every turn with Confectionary Gift, making it a sustain option in control decks. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is reliable, enhancing its utility.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage with Mischievous Hands and disrupts with Ghostly Trip, dealing 120 damage and causing Confusion. Perfect for setting up knockouts.

Veluza ex (043/159)

This Water-type glass cannon can hit for 240 damage with Purging Strike, but at the cost of discarding your entire hand. A high-risk, high-reward card that's all about going all-in.

Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)

A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, 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 sweeper.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

A Fire-type bruiser that burns the opponent’s Active Pokémon with Scalding Steam. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage and ability to move Energy make it a versatile choice.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

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

Salamence ex (114/159)

This second Salamence ex I pulled is just as formidable, with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. Ideal for players who love powerful Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

**Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together** is poised to be one of the most thrilling expansions in years. The nostalgic return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a personal touch to battles. Whether you're collecting for the stunning artwork, competitive edge, 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 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 GameStop

With the release date of March 28, 2025, approaching, 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 are plenty of incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.