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 feature return, adding a nostalgic touch to the new expansion.
### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Build and Battle Box
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Bundle
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
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### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Three Booster Blister
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This set highlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their own unique Pokémon ex cards, showcasing 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, Journey Together offers an exciting opportunity to do so.
Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025
My Journey Together Product Openings
With over 180 cards in the set, there's a treasure trove to explore. Journey Together 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 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 sheer volume of cards means every pull 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 hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that will enhance my decks.
The one card I was hoping for, Hop's Zacian ex, didn't appear. Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare was also missing, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes—plenty of chances, but no guarantees. Nonetheless, this was the best way to dive into the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want a substantial addition to your collection, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out all the rare pulls listed below; this box was absolutely worth it for me.
Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
Elite Trainer Boxes offer a more premium experience than loose packs. The N's Zorua promo card immediately caught my eye, and the box itself is perfect for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are invaluable 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 a Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening feel completely worthwhile. While ETBs may not yield as many hits as a Booster Box, the structured, all-in-one product adds a special touch. If you're looking for a mix of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a great way to experience Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview below—we ended up with some serious gems.
Journey Together Build & Battle Box
Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique experience compared to Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes. The highlight here is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to start playing immediately. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, which is a great card. Its ability gives all of Hop's Pokémon a 30-damage boost, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.
The four packs delivered Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly aligning with my deck's theme. While the limited number of packs means fewer rare pulls than a Booster Box, this is the best option for those eager to start playing with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm already planning to pick up another box to see which one I 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
I opened 49 booster packs across all products and pulled 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I was hoping for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will be pulling more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I pulled:
Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)
A bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 extra damage. This is a great card for any Trainer-themed deck, and while Dynamic Press hits hard, the 80 recoil damage is notable. Still, the ability alone makes it a worthwhile addition to any Hop-based strategy.
N's Zorua (Promo 189)
A cute but unremarkable card that exists to evolve into something better. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't turn heads, but if Zoroark ex is strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)
An instant staple in my decks. It deals 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to gets hit, making it both offensive and defensive. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy. An absolute win.
Iono's Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)
A 280 HP Lightning-type beast with Energy acceleration for days. Its Electric Streamer ability lets you attach unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono's Pokémon, making it an instant engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is great, even if it means skipping a turn. This one's going to see play.
Iris's Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)
A risk-reward draw Supporter that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. This is a great way to refresh your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. It's a full art, too, which makes it even sweeter.
Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)
A Lightning-type support Pokémon that lets you refill your hand with its Flashing Draw ability. The catch? You have to discard a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this bird is more about hand advantage than brute force.
N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)
A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes more dangerous the more damage it takes. Powerful Rage can rack up serious numbers, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid but a little Energy-intensive. If you like high-risk, high-reward plays, this one's for you.
Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)
A Water-type setup Pokémon that can accelerate two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. That's useful for getting it battle-ready fast, and Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable. This is a great starting piece for any Water deck.
Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)
This adorable little guy is actually really useful early-game. Call for Family lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, which is huge for setup. Lunge Out's 10 damage is laughable, but let's be real, Swinub isn't here to attack.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)
This 320 HP Dragon-type monster does two things really well — spread damage and hit like a truck. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, and Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, but you have to discard two Energy. Absolute beast.
Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)
A Steel-type legendary with a brutal 240-damage attack. The downside? Brave Slash can't be used twice in a row, which means you need a switching strategy. Insta-Strike does a little spread damage, but Zacian is here to knock things out in one hit.
Alcremie ex (075/159)
A support-heavy Psychic Pokémon that heals 30 damage every turn thanks to its Confectionary Gift ability. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but this card is best used as a sustain option in control decks.
Mimikyu ex (069/159)
A tricky Pokémon that loves spreading damage. Mischievous Hands puts three damage counters on two of your opponent's Pokémon, setting up knockouts later. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, which is a great way to disrupt their plays.
Veluza ex (043/159)
A Water-type glass cannon that can hit for 240 damage — if you're willing to discard your whole hand. Purging Strike is high-risk, high-reward, and Razor Fin's 30 damage is barely worth mentioning. This card is all-in or nothing.
Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)
A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with its Fairy Zone ability, which makes 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 just by being in play, thanks to its Scalding Steam ability. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is great, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon makes it even better.
Mamoswine ex (079/159)
An absolute tank at 340 HP that can search your deck for any Pokémon once per turn with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage but scales up if you have more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, which makes it terrifying in evolution-heavy decks.
Salamence ex (114/159)
This is the second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm not complaining. Same brutal power as the other one with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. If you like big, hard-hitting Pokémon, this is the one.
Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?
Journey Together is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG expansions in years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon, a nostalgic feature unseen for years, adds an extra layer of personality to battles. Whether you're collecting cards for their stunning artwork, competitive value, or sheer nostalgia, 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 March 28 release date just around the corner, now's the time to start planning 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 waiting to be discovered.
