The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025, reintroducing a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. This nostalgic feature, reminiscent of the classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, promises to add a new dimension to gameplay, and I'm thrilled to offer a sneak peek into what this set has in store.
### 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 exciting set spotlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with unique Pokémon ex that highlight their deep bonds with their teams. If you've ever dreamed of crafting a deck centered around N’s Zoroark ex, Lillie’s Clefairy ex, or Iono’s Bellibolt ex, your chance is coming soon.
Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025
My Journey Together Product Openings
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
With over 180 cards, there's a lot to look forward to. 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 also making a comeback, 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 anticipation builds with each pull. My highlights included the stunning N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare, the powerful Iono’s Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and the versatile Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even beyond these big hits, I managed to pull numerous solid ex cards perfect for deck building.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Unfortunately, I didn't find Hop’s Zacian ex or Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes—plenty of chances, but no guarantees. Overall, it was an exhilarating way to dive into the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want to boost your collection significantly, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out the rare pulls further down; it was absolutely worth it for me.
Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium experience beyond just loose packs. The N’s Zorua promo immediately caught my attention, and the box itself is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are perfect for players, and with nine booster packs, there's still ample opportunity for great pulls.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
I didn't expect many big hits from just nine packs, but I was pleasantly surprised with Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening worthwhile. While ETBs may not have the sheer volume of hits as a Booster Box, the structured, all-in-one package 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 serious gems.
Journey Together Build & Battle Box
Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience compared to Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes, offering instant playability. The highlight is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump right into a game. I pulled Hop’s Snorlax as my promo, a card that enhances all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by 30 damage, making it essential for any Hop-themed deck.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
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, the Build & Battle Box is the best way to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm tempted to pick up another box to see what I get next. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below for some of the best cards from our openings.
Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls
Across 49 booster packs from various products, I managed to pull 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers can expect to pull more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here’s what I pulled:
Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
This Basic Pokémon boasts 150 HP and boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. A great addition to any Trainer-themed deck, despite the 80 recoil damage from Dynamic Press. Its ability alone makes it a valuable asset for Hop-based strategies.
N’s Zorua (Promo 189)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A cute but modest card with 70 HP and a 20-damage Scratch attack. Its value lies in evolving into a potentially powerful Zoroark ex in this set.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
An essential card that deals 20 damage whenever the attached Pokémon is hit, serving both offensive and defensive roles. It also provides Colorless Energy, making it a must-have in any deck.
Iono’s Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A formidable Lightning-type Pokémon with 280 HP and the ability to accelerate Lightning Energy to Iono’s Pokémon. Its Thunderous Bolt attack delivers 230 damage, though at the cost of skipping a turn, making it a strong contender in Lightning decks.
Iris’s Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A full-art Supporter card that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. Ideal for decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon, adding both utility and aesthetic appeal.
Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A supportive Lightning-type Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, though it requires discarding a Lightning Energy. Its Mach Bolt attack deals 70 damage, but its real strength lies in hand management.
N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Dragon-type Pokémon with 130 HP that becomes more dangerous as it takes damage. Its Powerful Rage and Virtuous Flame attacks offer high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Water-type Pokémon that can accelerate two Basic Water Energy onto itself, setting up quickly for its Ice Blast attack dealing 110 damage. A solid starter for Water decks.
Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
An early-game utility Pokémon that can search your deck for two Basic Pokémon. Its Lunge Out attack is minimal at 10 damage, but its real value is in deck setup.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Dragon-type powerhouse with 320 HP, capable of spreading damage with Wide Blast and delivering a massive 300 damage with Dragon Impact, albeit at the cost of two Energy.
Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Steel-type legendary with a potent 240-damage attack, though limited by its inability to be used consecutively. Its Insta-Strike offers some spread damage, but it's designed for one-hit knockouts.
Alcremie ex (075/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Psychic-type Pokémon that heals 30 damage each turn with its Confectionary Gift ability. Its Whipped Shot attack deals 160 damage, making it a strong sustain option for control decks.
Mimikyu ex (069/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage with Mischievous Hands and disrupts opponents with Ghostly Trip, which deals 120 damage and confuses the Active Pokémon.
Veluza ex (043/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A high-risk, high-reward Water-type card that can hit for 240 damage by discarding your entire hand. Its Purging Strike is all-or-nothing, while Razor Fin deals minimal damage.
Lillie’s Clefairy ex (056/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Psychic-type that counters Dragon decks with its Fairy Zone ability, making them weak to Psychic. Its Full Moon Rondo attack scales with both players' Bench size, ideal for late-game sweeps.
Volcanion ex (031/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Fire-type Pokémon that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon with its Scalding Steam ability. Its Scorching Cyclone attack deals 160 damage and moves Energy to a Benched Pokémon, enhancing its strategic value.
Mamoswine ex (079/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A robust Pokémon with 340 HP that can search your deck for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler. Its Rumbling March attack starts at 180 damage and scales up with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench.
Salamence ex (114/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Another powerful Salamence ex, with the same impressive stats and attacks, offering wide damage spread and a devastating 300-damage hit with Dragon Impact.
Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together is poised to be one of the most thrilling expansions in recent years. The return of Trainer’s Pokémon adds a nostalgic and strategic layer to battles. Whether you're collecting for their stunning artwork, competitive edge, 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 the release date just around the corner on March 28, it's time to start planning which cards to pursue. Whether it's N’s Reshiram, Iono’s Bellibolt ex, or the elusive Hyper Rare Spiky Energy, there's an abundance of amazing cards waiting to be discovered.
