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, and it's bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. Fans of the classics like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua will be thrilled to see this nostalgic feature return, and I'm excited to give you a sneak peek at this highly anticipated set.

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3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStopThis set shines a spotlight on four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their unique Pokémon ex, highlighting the special bonds they share with their teams. If you've ever dreamed of building a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, this is your moment to shine.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

With over 180 cards in the set, there's no shortage of treasures to chase. Journey Together includes over 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Plus, Box Toppers are back, with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes featuring a stunning N's Reshiram Illustration Rare.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a Booster Box is a thrilling experience. With 36 packs, the excitement builds with each pull. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were exciting moments, but even the solid ex cards I pulled are going straight into my decks.

I didn't manage to pull the elusive Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes—you get plenty of chances, but no guarantees. Still, this was the best way to experience the set. If you love opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic investment. Check out all the rare pulls further down; this box was definitely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium feel compared to 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 great for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still room for some excellent pulls.

With only nine packs, I didn't expect too 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 feel rewarding. ETBs may not offer the sheer number of hits as a Booster Box, but they provide a structured, all-in-one experience. If you're looking for both pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a great way to dive into Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down; we ended up with some real gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique experience compared to Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump right into a game. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, which is a strong card, boosting all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage.

The four packs didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly complemented 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 eager to pick up another box to see what I get next. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below to see some of the best cards from 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 find themselves pulling far more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here’s a rundown of my pulls:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

This bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP enhances all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 damage. It's a fantastic addition to any Trainer-themed deck, though its Dynamic Press attack comes with an 80 recoil damage. The ability alone makes it a valuable asset in Hop-based strategies.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

This cute card, with 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, is unremarkable on its own but serves as a stepping stone to evolve into something more powerful. If Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment to shine.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An instant staple in my decks, Spiky Energy deals 20 damage each time the Pokémon it's attached to gets hit, making it both offensive and defensive. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy. A true game-changer.

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

This 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse accelerates Energy with its Electric Streamer ability, allowing unlimited Lightning Energy attachments to Iono's Pokémon. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, though it means skipping a turn. A must-have for Lightning decks.

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

This risk-reward Supporter card lets you discard one card and draw until you have six, refreshing your hand, especially useful in decks that benefit from discarding. The full art design makes it even more appealing.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

This Lightning-type support Pokémon refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, though you must discard a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but it's all about hand advantage.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

This 130 HP Dragon-type becomes more formidable as it takes damage. Powerful Rage can accumulate significant damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid but Energy-intensive. Perfect for high-risk, high-reward plays.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

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

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable Pokémon is useful early-game, with Call for Family allowing you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub is all about setup.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

This 320 HP Dragon-type spreads damage with Wide Blast and slams for 300 damage with Dragon Impact, requiring two discarded Energies. A true powerhouse.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

This Steel-type legendary delivers a brutal 240-damage attack with Brave Slash, though it can't be used consecutively. Insta-Strike spreads damage, but Zacian is designed for one-hit knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

This Psychic-type support Pokémon heals 30 damage each turn with Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is solid, but it's best used for sustain in control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage with Mischievous Hands, setting up knockouts. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the opponent, disrupting their strategy.

Veluza ex (043/159)

This Water-type glass cannon can hit for 240 damage with Purging Strike, requiring you to discard your entire hand. High-risk, high-reward, with Razor Fin's 30 damage barely worth mentioning.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, making all Dragon Pokémon weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo scales damage based on Bench size, becoming a potential late-game sweeper.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

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

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

An absolute tank at 340 HP, Mamoswine searches your deck for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage, scaling up with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a terror in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

This second Salamence ex I pulled is just as powerful as the first, with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. A must-have for fans of hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is poised to be one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG expansions in years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic touch, enhancing the personal connection in battles. Whether you're collecting for 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 GameStopWith the release date of March 28 just around the corner, it's 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.