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

The highly anticipated Pokémon TCG: 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. Fans of the classic EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua set will be thrilled to see this nostalgic feature return. This set promises to reignite the excitement with its focus on the unique bonds between Trainers and their Pokémon.

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3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStopJourney Together shines a spotlight on four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each with their own Pokémon ex cards that highlight the strong bonds they share with their teams. Whether you're eager to build a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, this set offers plenty of exciting possibilities.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

With over 180 cards to explore, Journey Together offers a treasure trove of collectibles. 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, 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 thrill 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. These were exciting moments, but even beyond the big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that are perfect for my decks.

Unfortunately, the one card I was most eager to find, Hop's Zacian ex, eluded me. Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare was also missing, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes—you get many chances, but nothing is guaranteed. Still, this was the best way to immerse myself in the set. If you love the thrill of opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic investment. Check out all the rare pulls listed below; this box was definitely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

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

With only nine packs, I wasn't expecting anything too extraordinary, but I still managed to pull Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening experience worthwhile. While ETBs don't offer as many hits as a Booster Box, they provide a structured, all-in-one product. If you're looking for a mix of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is an excellent way to experience Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview below; we uncovered some real gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique experience, distinct from Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes. The highlight here is the prebuilt 40-card deck, which allows you to jump straight into a game. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, a fantastic card whose ability boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage, making it a must-have for any deck with his lineup.

The four packs I opened didn't disappoint; I pulled Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, both fitting perfectly with my deck's theme. Although you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, Build & Battle Boxes are the best way to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager to pick up another box. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below to see some of the best cards we got from across 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 can expect to pull far more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I pulled:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

This bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. It's a great addition to any Trainer-themed deck. While Dynamic Press hits hard, the 80 recoil damage can be tough. However, the ability alone makes it a valuable asset for any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

This cute card might not stand out with its 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, but it's essential for evolving into something more powerful. If Zoroark ex is strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment to shine.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An instant staple in my decks, this card deals 20 damage every time the attached Pokémon is hit, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities. Plus, it offers Colorless Energy, making it an absolute win.

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

This 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse accelerates Energy with its Electric Streamer ability, allowing unlimited Lightning Energy attachments to Iono's Pokémon. Thunderous Bolt deals 230 damage, albeit with a turn skip. It's destined to see competitive play.

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

This risk-reward Supporter card lets you discard one card to draw until you have six. It's a great way to refresh your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. The full art adds to its appeal.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

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

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

This 130 HP Dragon-type becomes more dangerous as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can rack up serious damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid but Energy-intensive. Ideal for high-risk, high-reward strategies.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

This Water-type setup Pokémon accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering, making it battle-ready quickly. 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 useful early-game with its Call for Family ability, allowing you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon. Lunge Out's 10 damage is negligible, but Swinub is all about setup.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

This 320 HP Dragon-type excels at spreading damage with Wide Blast and dealing massive damage with Dragon Impact, which requires discarding two Energy. A true powerhouse.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

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

Alcremie ex (075/159)

This Psychic-type support Pokémon heals 30 damage each turn with Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but it's best used as a sustain option in control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

This tricky Pokémon spreads damage with Mischievous Hands, setting up knockouts. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, disrupting opponent's plays.

Veluza ex (043/159)

This Water-type glass cannon can deal 240 damage with Purging Strike, requiring you to discard your entire hand. Razor Fin's 30 damage is negligible, making this card a high-risk, high-reward choice.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

This Psychic-type 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)

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

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

This 340 HP tank searches your deck for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage, scaling up with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it terrifying in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

This is the second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm thrilled. It offers the same brutal power with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. Perfect for those who love big, 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 and personal touch to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive play, 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 GameStopWith the release date of March 28 fast approaching, now is 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 to discover.