Pokémon TCG Journey Together: A Nostalgic Return for Trainer's Pokémon Fans

The highly anticipated Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025, bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. Fans of the classics, like those from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua, will be thrilled to see this nostalgic feature return. I'm excited to share a sneak peek of what this set has in store.

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This set highlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with unique Pokémon ex that reflect their deep 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, now is your chance.

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 to collect, there's a lot to look forward to. The set features over 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Additionally, Box Toppers are back, 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 excitement builds with every pull. My standout cards included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and the Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were thrilling finds, but even the numerous solid ex cards I pulled are perfect for enhancing my decks.

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—exciting yet unpredictable. Despite this, the sheer number of cards and the thrill of opening packs made it a worthwhile investment. Check out the rare pulls listed below to see why this box was absolutely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium experience beyond just opening packs. The N's Zorua promo card immediately caught my attention, and the box itself is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are perfect for avid players. With nine booster packs, I still managed some great pulls, including Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. These exciting cards made the opening experience rewarding. While you may not get as many hits as with a Booster Box, the structured, all-in-one nature of ETBs is appealing. If you're after a blend of pack-opening excitement and useful extras, this is the way to go. See the full list of rare cards from our preview below.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique experience compared to other products. The highlight is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump straight into playing. I received Hop's Snorlax as my promo card, which is fantastic—its ability boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it crucial for any Hop-themed deck.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

The four packs I opened didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly complementing my deck's theme. While you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, Build & Battle Boxes are ideal for quickly starting to play with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm tempted to buy another box to see what I get next. Check out my preview pulls below to see some of the best cards we obtained across all our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

Across 49 booster packs from various products, I pulled 18 rare cards, some expected and others surprising. Trainers will find more rare cards here than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's a rundown of my pulls:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

This bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by an extra 30 damage. Despite the recoil damage from Dynamic Press, its ability makes it an excellent addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A charming card that serves as a stepping stone to Zoroark ex. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's unremarkable on its own but will shine if Zoroark ex proves strong.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A must-have for any deck. It deals 20 damage each time the attached Pokémon is hit and provides Colorless Energy, making it both offensive and defensive.

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

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

This 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse accelerates Energy to Iono's Pokémon and can deal 230 damage with Thunderous Bolt, though it requires skipping a turn. A key player in Lightning decks.

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

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A strategic Supporter card that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. Ideal for decks that benefit from discarding and refreshing your hand, especially with its stunning full art design.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

This Lightning-type Pokémon refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, though it requires discarding a Lightning Energy. Its Mach Bolt attack is decent, but it's primarily a hand advantage card.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A 130 HP Dragon-type that grows stronger with damage. Its Powerful Rage and Virtuous Flame attacks are high-risk, high-reward, making it perfect for players who enjoy bold strategies.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Water-type that accelerates two Basic Water Energy onto itself, making it battle-ready quickly. Its Ice Blast attack is solid, making it a great starting piece for Water decks.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

This early-game support card lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, crucial for setup. Its Lunge Out attack is weak, but it's not meant for attacking.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A formidable 320 HP Dragon-type that spreads damage and hits hard. Wide Blast affects Benched Pokémon, while Dragon Impact delivers a massive 300 damage hit.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

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A Steel-type legendary with a 240-damage attack, though it can't be used consecutively. Its Insta-Strike spreads damage, but it's primarily a knockout machine.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

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A Psychic-type focused on support, healing 30 damage each turn. Its Whipped Shot attack is good, but it's best used in control decks for sustained play.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

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A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage with Mischievous Hands and disrupts with Ghostly Trip, which deals 120 damage and Confuses the opponent's Active Pokémon.

Veluza ex (043/159)

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A high-risk, high-reward Water-type that can hit for 240 damage if you discard your entire hand. Purging Strike is all-in, while Razor Fin's damage is negligible.

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Psychic-type that targets Dragon decks with its Fairy Zone ability, making them weak to Psychic. Full Moon Rondo scales damage based on Bench size, ideal for late-game sweeps.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Fire-type that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon with Scalding Steam. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage and Energy movement capability make it a strong choice.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A 340 HP tank that can search your deck for any Pokémon with Mammoth Hauler. Rumbling March scales damage with Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a powerhouse in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Another Salamence ex with the same brutal power, spreading damage with Wide Blast and delivering massive hits with Dragon Impact. A must-have for fans of hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Pokémon TCG: Journey Together is poised to be one of the most exciting expansions in years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic and personal touch to battles. Whether you're collecting for 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

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With the release date of March 28, 2025, just around the corner, it's time to plan 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.