Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together, set to release on March 28, 2025, is bringing back a fan-favorite mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This exciting revival, reminiscent of the classic EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua set, has me eagerly anticipating what's in store with this new expansion.

### 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 GameStopJourney Together focuses on four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their unique Pokémon ex cards that highlight the strong 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 set is your chance 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 plenty to chase. It includes more than 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. The return of Box Toppers adds even more excitement, with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes featuring 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 number of cards makes every pull thrilling. My highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were some of the most exciting moments, but even beyond the big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that are perfect for my decks.

Although I didn't pull Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, which I was hoping for, that's the nature of Booster Boxes. They offer a lot of chances but no guarantees. Nonetheless, this was the best way to experience the set. If you love opening packs or want a substantial addition to your collection, a Booster Box is always a great choice. Check out all the rare pulls further down. This box was definitely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes always feel more premium than loose packs. The N's Zorua promo immediately caught my eye, and the box itself is perfect for storing cards. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are great for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still plenty of potential for good pulls.

Even with only 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 worthwhile. While ETBs don't have as many hits as a Booster Box, the structured, all-in-one product is a nice touch. If you want 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 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 straight into a game without sorting through cards. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, a fantastic card that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs didn't disappoint either. I pulled Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly fit my deck's theme. While the limited packs mean fewer rare pulls than a Booster Box, this is the best option for quickly starting to play with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm tempted 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 our products and ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will be pulling many 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 30 extra damage. This card is excellent for any Trainer-themed deck, and while Dynamic Press hits hard, the 80 recoil damage is notable. Nonetheless, the ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

A charming but modest card that's meant to evolve into something greater. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't turn heads, 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, making it both offensive and defensive while providing Colorless Energy. Absolute win.

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

A 280 HP Lightning-type beast with Energy acceleration capabilities. Its Electric Streamer ability allows unlimited Lightning Energy attachment to Iono's Pokémon, making it a powerhouse for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, though it means skipping a turn. This card is sure 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. Being a full art card 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 you to discard a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this bird excels at 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 rack up serious numbers, 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 that accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. This is useful for getting 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 highly 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 hitting hard. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, and Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, though it requires discarding two Energy. A true powerhouse.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a brutal 240-damage attack. The downside is that Brave Slash can't be used twice in a row, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike offers some spread damage, but Zacian is designed for one-hit knockouts.

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 plays.

Veluza ex (043/159)

A Water-type glass cannon that can hit for 240 damage if you discard your whole hand. Purging Strike is high-risk, high-reward, while 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, 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 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, making it terrifying in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

This is the second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm thrilled. It boasts the same brutal power 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 thrilling Pokémon TCG expansions in years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic touch that hasn't been seen in years, injecting extra personality into battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive play, 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 GameStopWith its release date of March 28, 2025, 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 are countless incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.