The 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. This exciting revival, reminiscent of the classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, has me buzzing with anticipation as I preview this set.
### 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 celebrates four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their unique Pokémon ex, highlighting the deep bonds they share with their teams. If you've ever dreamed of building a deck featuring N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, this is your golden opportunity.
Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025
My Journey Together Product Openings
With over 180 cards, there's plenty to chase. 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 back too, with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes featuring a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare.
Journey Together Standard Booster Box
Opening a Booster Box is a thrilling experience. With 36 packs, the excitement of each pull is palpable. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even beyond these big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that I'm eager to incorporate into my decks.
While I didn't manage to pull Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, that's the nature of Booster Boxes—nothing is guaranteed, but the sheer number of chances makes it incredibly fun. If you're a fan of opening packs and want to boost your collection, a Booster Box is a must. 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 feel beyond just grabbing 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 ideal for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still ample opportunity for great pulls.
With only nine packs, I wasn't expecting anything too extraordinary, yet I still managed to pull Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening totally worthwhile. While ETBs don't offer as many hits as a Booster Box, the structured, all-in-one product 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 main attraction here is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to dive straight into a game without sorting through countless cards. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, which is a fantastic card. Its ability boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.
The four packs included didn't disappoint. I pulled Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly fit my deck's theme. While you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, this is the best option if you want to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm already tempted to grab 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 will certainly be pulling more rare cards than with Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I pulled:
Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)
A sturdy Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. This card is a great addition to any Trainer-themed deck. While Dynamic Press hits hard, the 80 recoil damage can be tough. Nevertheless, the ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.
N's Zorua (Promo 189)
A cute but unremarkable card that exists primarily to evolve into something more powerful. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't turn heads on its own, but if Zoroark ex proves 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, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities while also providing Colorless Energy. A clear winner.
Iono's Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)
A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with unmatched Energy acceleration. Its Electric Streamer ability allows you to attach unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono's Pokémon, making it an engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, even if it means skipping a turn. This card is definitely 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. It's a fantastic way to refresh your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. Being a full art card adds to its appeal.
Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)
A Lightning-type support Pokémon that lets you refill your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, though you must discard a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this bird is all about providing hand advantage.
N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)
A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes more dangerous as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can accumulate significant numbers, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage requires a bit of Energy investment. If you enjoy high-risk, high-reward plays, this card is for you.
Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)
A Water-type setup Pokémon that can accelerate two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. This is useful for getting it battle-ready quickly, and Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable. A great starting piece for any Water deck.
Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)
This adorable little guy is surprisingly useful early-game. Call for Family lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, which is crucial for setup. Lunge Out's 10 damage is negligible, but Swinub isn't meant for attacking.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)
This 320 HP Dragon-type monster excels at spreading damage and delivering massive hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, though you must discard two Energy. A true beast.
Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)
A Steel-type legendary with a formidable 240-damage attack. The downside? Brave Slash can't be used consecutively, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike does some spread damage, but Zacian is designed to knock out opponents in one hit.
Alcremie ex (075/159)
A support-heavy Psychic Pokémon that heals 30 damage every turn with its Confectionary Gift ability. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but this card shines 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, disrupting their strategy.
Veluza ex (043/159)
A Water-type glass cannon that can hit for 240 damage, provided you're willing to discard your entire hand. Purging Strike is high-risk, high-reward, while Razor Fin's 30 damage is barely worth mentioning. This card is all about going all-in.
Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)
A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with its Fairy Zone ability, 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)
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 impressive, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon makes it even better.
Mamoswine ex (079/159)
An absolute tank with 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, making it terrifying in evolution-heavy decks.
Salamence ex (114/159)
This is the second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm not complaining. It boasts the 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 poised to be one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG expansions in recent years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon, a nostalgic feature absent for some time, adds a rich layer of personality to battles. Whether you're collecting cards for their stunning artwork, competitive value, 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 GameStop
With its release date on March 28, 2025, just around the corner, now's the perfect 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.
