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

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together is set to launch on March 28, 2025, bringing back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon mechanic that we last saw in 2004. This exciting revival, reminiscent of classics like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, is a thrilling addition to the Pokémon TCG universe.

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This set spotlights four iconic Trainers—N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop—each paired with Pokémon ex that highlight their deep bonds with their teams. Whether you're aiming to build a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, Journey Together offers a unique chance to explore these dynamics.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

With over 180 cards to chase, Journey Together is packed with excitement. The set includes over 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. The return of Box Toppers adds an extra thrill, 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 anticipation builds with every pull. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were thrilling moments, but even the numerous solid ex cards I pulled are great additions to my decks.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Unfortunately, I didn't find Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, which is typical of the Booster Box experience—plenty of opportunities, but no guarantees. Despite this, the Booster Box remains the best way to dive into the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is an excellent choice. Check out 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 than loose packs. The N's Zorua promo immediately grabbed my attention, 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 potential for great pulls.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

With just nine packs, I didn't expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised with Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening worthwhile. While Elite Trainer Boxes may not offer as many hits as a Booster Box, they provide a structured and comprehensive experience. If you're after a mix of pack-opening excitement and collectible extras, this is a fantastic way to explore Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down—we uncovered some serious gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique experience, distinct from Booster Boxes and Elite Trainer Boxes. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump straight into a game. I received Hop's Snorlax as my promo, a valuable card that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it a must-have for any Hop-themed deck.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

The four packs didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly fit my deck's theme. While the limited packs mean fewer rare pulls than a Booster Box, the Build & Battle Box is the fastest way to start playing with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm tempted 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

After opening 49 booster packs across all our products, I pulled 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Here's what I pulled:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A robust Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that enhances all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 extra damage. Its Dynamic Press hits hard, though the 80 recoil damage is significant. The ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A cute card that serves as a stepping stone to something more powerful. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's not a standout, but if Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will shine.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A must-have for my decks. It deals 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to is hit, providing both offensive and defensive benefits, and it also supplies Colorless Energy. A total game-changer.

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

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A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with unparalleled Energy acceleration. Its Electric Streamer ability allows unlimited Lightning Energy attachment to Iono's Pokémon, making it a crucial engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, despite the turn skip.

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

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A draw Supporter with a risk-reward mechanism, allowing you to 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)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, albeit after discarding a Lightning Energy. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is moderate, but this bird excels in providing hand advantage.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

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A 130 HP Dragon-type that grows more formidable as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can accumulate 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)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Water-type setup Pokémon that can accelerate two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. Ice Blast's 110 damage is solid, making it an excellent starter for Water decks.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

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A useful early-game card that lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon with Call for Family. Lunge Out's 10 damage is negligible, but Swinub's true value lies in setup.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

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A 320 HP Dragon-type behemoth that excels at spreading damage and delivering heavy hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, albeit requiring two discarded Energy. A true powerhouse.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

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

Alcremie ex (075/159)

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A Psychic-type focused on support and healing, restoring 30 damage each turn with Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is good, but Alcremie excels as a sustain option in control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

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A mischievous 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 your opponent's plans.

Veluza ex (043/159)

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A Water-type glass cannon that can deal 240 damage with Purging Strike, at the cost of discarding your entire hand. Razor Fin's 30 damage is minimal, but Veluza thrives on high-risk, high-reward plays.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

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

Volcanion ex (031/159)

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

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

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A 340 HP tank 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 force in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

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Another powerful Salamence ex, sharing the same devastating abilities as its counterpart. Wide Blast spreads damage, while Dragon Impact delivers a massive 300 damage hit. A must-have for fans of hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together promises 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 the stunning artwork, competitive play, or the nostalgia factor, this set has 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 its release date of March 28, 2025, fast approaching, it's time to start planning your card hunt. Whether you're after N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, Journey Together offers a wealth of incredible cards to discover.