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

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

by Connor May 28,2025

Calling all *Pokémon Trading Card Game* enthusiasts! The highly anticipated expansion, *Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together*, is set to release on March 28, 2025. This set brings back a beloved mechanic from 2004—the Trainer’s Pokémon cards—and it’s a blast from the past that fans won’t want to miss. Get ready to relive the nostalgia of classic rivalries like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, and prepare for some exciting new gameplay opportunities.

Journey Together Booster Sleeves

$4.99 save 5% $4.74 at GameStop | $4.49 at Best Buy

Journey Together Build and Battle Box

$21.99 save 5% $20.89 at GameStop

Journey Together Booster Bundle

$29.99 save 5% $28.49 at GameStop

Journey Together Booster Box (36 Count)

$160.99 at Best Buy | See it at GameStop

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

See it at GameStop

Journey Together Three Booster Blister

$14.99 save 5% $14.24 at GameStop

This set features four iconic Trainers—N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop—each with their own Pokémon ex cards, highlighting the deep bonds they share with their respective teams. Fans of these characters will love seeing their favorite Trainers take center stage with powerful cards like N’s Zoroark ex, Lillie’s Clefairy ex, and Iono’s Bellibolt ex. With over 180 cards in total, including 40+ Trainer’s Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards, there’s plenty to discover and collect.

Box Toppers are back, and the Enhanced Booster Display Boxes include a stamped N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare. If you’re planning to dive into this set, consider the various formats available, such as Booster Boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes, and Build & Battle Boxes. Each format offers unique experiences and opportunities for rare pulls.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a Booster Box is always an exhilarating experience. With 36 packs, the sheer volume ensures that every pull feels special. Highlights from my pulls included N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono’s Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. While Hop’s Zacian ex and Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare didn’t make an appearance, that’s just part of the charm of Booster Boxes. They’re all about the thrill of the chase. If you’re looking to expand your collection or simply enjoy the process of opening packs, a Booster Box is an excellent choice.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes deliver a more curated experience compared to loose packs. The N’s Zorua promo immediately caught my attention, and the box itself is perfect for organizing your collection. Alongside the nine booster packs, the included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are practical additions for any player. My standout pulls included Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. Even though Elite Trainer Boxes don’t offer the sheer volume of hits as Booster Boxes, they provide a structured, all-in-one product that’s perfect for both casual and competitive players.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

The Build & Battle Box offers a unique approach with its prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump straight into a game without the hassle of sorting through individual cards. My promo card, Hop’s Snorlax, was particularly impressive, providing a 30-damage boost to all of Hop’s Pokémon. Other notable pulls included Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly complemented my deck’s theme. While the limited number of packs means fewer rare pulls compared to a Booster Box, this format is ideal for players who want to dive into gameplay quickly.

Journey Together Pulls

Across 49 booster packs, I managed to pull 18 rare cards, including several standouts. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key cards:

Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)

A bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP and an ability that boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by 30 extra damage. This card is a must-have for any Trainer-themed deck.

N’s Zorua (Promo 189)

A cute but unremarkable card that evolves into something stronger. Its 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch aren’t groundbreaking, but it sets the stage for future upgrades.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An instant staple in my decks, dealing 20 damage whenever the attached Pokémon is hit. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy—what’s not to love?

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

A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with unlimited Energy acceleration via its Electric Streamer ability. Thunderous Bolt’s 230 damage is devastating, even if it requires skipping a turn.

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

A risky but rewarding Supporter card that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. Perfect for refreshing your hand in strategic decks.

Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type support Pokémon with Flashing Draw, which refills your hand at the cost of discarding a Lightning Energy. Mach Bolt’s 70 damage is decent, but this card excels at hand management.

N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type with a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. Powerful Rage and Virtuous Flame’s 170 damage make it a formidable addition to any deck.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

A Water-type setup Pokémon with Frigid Fluttering, accelerating two Basic Water Energy onto itself. Ice Blast’s 110 damage is solid, making it a great starter for Water decks.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

An early-game powerhouse with Call for Family, searching your deck for two Basic Pokémon. Lunge Out’s 10 damage might be underwhelming, but it’s all about setup.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

A 320 HP Dragon-type monster capable of spreading damage with Wide Blast and hitting for 300 with Dragon Impact. Requires careful Energy management but delivers immense power.

Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a brutal 240-damage attack. Brave Slash’s restriction adds a tactical element, while Insta-Strike spreads damage effectively.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A support-heavy Psychic Pokémon that heals 30 damage every turn. Whipped Shot’s 160 damage is solid, but its true strength lies in sustain options.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A tricky Pokémon with Mischievous Hands, putting three damage counters on two opponents’ Pokémon. Ghostly Trip disrupts plays with its 120 damage and Confusion effect.

Veluza ex (043/159)

A Water-type glass cannon capable of 240 damage at the cost of discarding your entire hand. Purging Strike is high-risk, high-reward, while Razor Fin’s 30 damage is negligible.

Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)

A Psychic-type punishing Dragon decks with Fairy Zone. Full Moon Rondo scales damage based on Bench size, making it a potential late-game sweeper.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

A Fire-type brute with Scalding Steam, burning the opponent’s Active Pokémon just by being in play. Scorching Cyclone’s 160 damage is boosted when moving Energy to a Benched Pokémon.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

An absolute tank with 340 HP and Mammoth Hauler, searching your deck for any Pokémon once per turn. Rumbling March scales damage based on Stage 2 Pokémon, making it terrifying in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

Another Salamence ex pull, showcasing the same brutal power with Wide Blast and Dragon