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

Author: Julian Mar 22,2025

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together arrives March 28, 2025, reviving a beloved mechanic absent since 2004: Trainer's Pokémon! This exciting set, reminiscent of classics like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, features iconic Trainers N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each with powerful Pokémon ex reflecting their bond. Get ready to build decks centered around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex!

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves
$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
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Build and Battle Box
$21.99 save 5% $20.89 at GameStop Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle
$29.99 save 5% $28.49 at GameStop Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count
$160.99 at Best Buy
See it at GameStop Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
See it at GameStop Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister
$14.99 save 5% $14.24 at GameStop

This set boasts over 180 cards, including 40+ Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, three Hyper Rare gold cards, and returning Box Toppers (Enhanced Booster Display Boxes feature a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare).

My *Journey Together* Product Openings

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a 36-pack Booster Box is thrilling! My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even beyond the big pulls, I found many strong ex cards for my decks. While I missed Hop's Zacian ex and Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, the sheer volume of packs made it worthwhile. A Booster Box is ideal for maximizing your chances and building your collection.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

The Elite Trainer Box offers a premium experience. The N's Zorua promo is a standout, and the box itself is perfect for storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are valuable for players. While the nine booster packs yielded fewer rare pulls than a Booster Box, I pulled Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex—a satisfying mix of pack-opening fun and collectible extras.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

The Build & Battle Box offers a different kind of excitement. The pre-built 40-card deck allows immediate gameplay. My promo was Hop's Snorlax, a fantastic card boosting Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage. The four included packs yielded Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly complementing the deck's theme. It's a great option for quick play, though rare pulls are fewer than in a Booster Box.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

My *Journey Together* Pulls (49 Packs Opened)

From 49 packs, I pulled 18 rare cards. Highlights include:

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
N’s Zorua (Promo 189)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Iono’s Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Iris’s Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Alcremie ex (075/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Mimikyu ex (069/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Veluza ex (043/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Volcanion ex (031/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Mamoswine ex (079/159)IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Salamence ex (114/159)

Should You Buy *Pokémon TCG: Journey Together*?

Journey Together is a highly anticipated expansion, bringing back Trainer's Pokémon for a unique gameplay experience. With stunning artwork, competitive potential, and nostalgic appeal, this set offers something for every Pokémon TCG player. Start planning your chase list—N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, and the Hyper Rare Spiky Energy are just a few of the incredible cards to hunt!

Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves
$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
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Build and Battle Box
$21.99 save 5% $20.89 at GameStop Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle
$29.99 save 5% $28.49 at GameStop Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count
$160.99 at Best Buy
See it at GameStop Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
See it at GameStop Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister
$14.99 save 5% $14.24 at GameStop