The Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a beloved feature from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This nostalgic touch, reminiscent of the classic EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua set, has me buzzing with excitement as we preview this upcoming release.
### 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
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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
3$14.99 save 5%$14.24 at GameStop
This set spotlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with unique Pokémon ex cards that highlight their strong bonds 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, your time has come.
Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025
My Journey Together Product Openings
Journey Together boasts over 180 cards, including more than 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, featuring Enhanced Booster Display Boxes with a stamped N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare.
Journey Together Standard Booster Box
Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience, with 36 packs offering a thrilling variety of pulls. 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 found numerous solid ex cards that I'm eager to integrate into my decks.
Sadly, I didn't pull Hop’s Zacian ex or Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but that's the thrill of Booster Boxes—plenty of chances, but no guarantees. For those who love opening packs or want to boost their collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out my rare pulls listed below; this box was definitely worth it.
Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
Elite Trainer Boxes offer a more premium feel compared to loose packs. The N’s Zorua promo card caught my eye immediately, and the box itself is perfect for card storage. It comes with sleeves, dice, and condition markers, making it a great choice for players. With nine booster packs, I managed to pull Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex—fun cards that made the opening worthwhile. While ETBs don't offer as many hits as a Booster Box, they provide a structured, all-in-one experience. If you're after a mix of pack-opening excitement and collectible extras, this is the way to go. See the full list of our rare cards from the preview below; we ended up with some gems.
Journey Together Build & Battle Box
Build & Battle Boxes offer a different kind of thrill, with the main attraction being the prebuilt 40-card deck that lets you jump straight into a game. I pulled Hop’s Snorlax as my promo, a fantastic card that boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by 30 damage, making it a must-have for any deck featuring his Pokémon.
The four packs included didn't disappoint either; I pulled Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly fitting my deck's theme. Although you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, Build & Battle Boxes are the best way to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm already planning to buy another box to see what I get next. Check out my preview pulls below to see some of the best cards from our openings.
Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls
Across all our products, I opened 49 booster packs and ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I was hoping for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will certainly pull more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I pulled:
Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)
A sturdy Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that enhances all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. While Dynamic Press packs a punch, the 80 recoil damage is significant. Nevertheless, its ability makes it an essential addition to any Hop-themed strategy.
N’s Zorua (Promo 189)
While this card might seem unremarkable with its 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's designed to evolve into something more powerful. If Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will certainly have its moment.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)
This card is an instant staple in my decks. It deals 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to is hit, making it both offensive and defensive while providing Colorless Energy. A definite win.
Iono’s Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)
A formidable 280 HP Lightning-type Pokémon with exceptional Energy acceleration capabilities. Its Electric Streamer ability allows unlimited Lightning Energy attachment to Iono’s Pokémon, making it a powerhouse in Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, though it does require skipping a turn.
Iris’s Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)
This Supporter card offers a risk-reward draw mechanism, allowing you to discard one card and draw until you have six. It's especially valuable in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon, and its full art design adds to its appeal.
Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)
A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, albeit requiring the discard of a Lightning Energy. While Mach Bolt’s 70 damage is moderate, this card excels at providing hand advantage.
N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)
A 130 HP Dragon-type that grows more dangerous with accumulated damage. Powerful Rage can deal significant damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is potent but Energy-intensive. Ideal for high-risk, high-reward strategies.
Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)
A Water-type setup Pokémon capable of accelerating two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. Ice Blast’s 110 damage is solid, making it a great starting piece for any Water deck.
Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)
This cute Pokémon is surprisingly useful early-game with Call for Family, which lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon. While Lunge Out’s 10 damage is minimal, Swinub's real value lies in setup.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)
A 320 HP Dragon-type powerhouse that excels at spreading damage and delivering heavy hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, and Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, requiring the discard of two Energy. A true beast.
Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)
A Steel-type legendary with a powerful 240-damage attack. However, Brave Slash can't be used consecutively, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike offers some spread damage, but Zacian is designed for knockout blows.
Alcremie ex (075/159)
A Psychic-type support Pokémon that heals 30 damage every turn with Confectionary Gift. While Whipped Shot’s 160 damage is respectable, Alcremie excels as a sustain option in control decks.
Mimikyu ex (069/159)
A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage effectively. Mischievous Hands places three damage counters on two of your opponent’s Pokémon, setting up future knockouts. Ghostly Trip deals 120 damage and Confuses the Active Pokémon, disrupting opponent strategies.
Veluza ex (043/159)
A Water-type glass cannon capable of 240 damage with Purging Strike, though it requires discarding your entire hand. Razor Fin’s 30 damage is negligible, but this card is all about high-risk, high-reward plays.
Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)
A Psychic-type that penalizes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, making them weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo's damage scales with both players’ Bench size, positioning it as a potential late-game sweeper.
Volcanion ex (031/159)
A Fire-type bruiser that burns the opponent’s Active Pokémon with Scalding Steam. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is strong, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon enhances its utility.
Mamoswine ex (079/159)
A 340 HP tank that can search your deck for any Pokémon once per turn with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March starts at 180 damage but scales up with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a force in evolution-heavy decks.
Salamence ex (114/159)
My second pull of this card, and I'm not complaining. It offers the same brutal power as the first with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a colossal 300 damage hit. Ideal for players who enjoy big, hard-hitting Pokémon.
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 absent for years, adds a unique layer of personality to battles. Whether you're collecting for the stunning artwork, competitive edge, or pure 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 the March 28 release date approaching, it's time to decide which cards you'll chase. Whether it's N's Reshiram, Iono's Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, Journey Together promises an array of incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.
