The excitement is palpable as Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together is set to launch on March 28, 2025, reintroducing a beloved mechanic from 2004. Fans of the classic Trainer's Pokémon, reminiscent of the EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua set, will be thrilled to see this feature return. I'm eager to dive into this set and share my insights with you.

### Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Sleeves

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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 unique Pokémon ex cards that highlight their special bonds with their teams. If you've been dreaming of building a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, your moment has arrived.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

With over 180 cards to explore, Journey Together offers a treasure trove of collectibles. The set features more than 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 showcasing a stamped N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Unboxing a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience. With 36 packs, the anticipation 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 the standouts, but I also pulled numerous solid ex cards perfect for my decks.

While I didn't manage to pull the coveted Hop’s Zacian ex or Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, that's the nature of Booster Boxes—exciting yet unpredictable. Nevertheless, this was the ultimate way to experience the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want to significantly boost your collection, a Booster Box is a thrilling choice. Check out all the rare pulls further down. For me, this box was absolutely worth it.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium feel that sets them apart from loose packs. The N’s Zorua promo immediately caught my eye, and the box itself is ideal for card storage. The included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are perfect for any player, and with nine booster packs, there's still potential for great pulls.

Despite only having nine packs, I was pleasantly surprised with pulls like Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These made the opening experience rewarding. While ETBs don't offer the same volume of hits as a Booster Box, their structured, all-in-one nature is appealing. If you're looking for a blend of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a fantastic way to dive into Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down. We discovered some real gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

The Build & Battle Box provides a unique experience, distinct from Booster Boxes and Elite Trainer Boxes. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to start playing immediately. I pulled Hop’s Snorlax as my promo, a valuable card that boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by 30 damage, making it a key component in any deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, which perfectly complemented my deck's theme. While the limited packs mean fewer rare pulls than a Booster Box, this is the quickest way to start playing with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm tempted to pick up another box to see what I'll 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

After opening 49 booster packs across all products, I ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were unexpected treasures. Trainers will find plenty more rare cards in this set than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I pulled:

Hop’s Snorlax (Promo 184)

A robust Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that enhances all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by an additional 30 damage. Ideal for any Trainer-themed deck, its Dynamic Press packs a punch, though the 80 recoil damage is significant. Nevertheless, its ability alone justifies its inclusion in any Hop-based strategy.

N’s Zorua (Promo 189)

A charming yet unassuming card meant for evolution. With 70 HP and a mere 20 damage from Scratch, it won't dazzle on its own, but if Zoroark ex proves strong in this set, Zorua will have its moment.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

An essential card for my decks, dealing 20 damage each time the attached Pokémon is hit, making it both offensive and defensive. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy, making it a versatile addition.

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

A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with unmatched Energy acceleration. Its Electric Streamer ability allows unlimited Lightning Energy attachment to Iono’s Pokémon, fueling Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, though it requires skipping a turn. This card is destined for competitive play.

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

A strategic Supporter card that lets you discard one card and draw until you have six. Ideal for refreshing your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. The full art design is a bonus.

Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand via its Flashing Draw ability, requiring the discard of a Lightning Energy. While Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, this card excels in providing hand advantage.

N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes increasingly dangerous with damage. Powerful Rage can deal significant damage, and Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is potent, though Energy-intensive. Ideal for high-risk, high-reward strategies.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

A Water-type setup Pokémon that can accelerate two Basic Water Energy onto itself with Frigid Fluttering. Ice Blast's 110 damage is solid, making it a strong starting piece for Water decks.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable card is surprisingly useful early-game. Call for Family lets you search your deck for two Basic Pokémon, aiding setup. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub is here for support, not attacking.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

This 320 HP Dragon-type monster excels at spreading damage and delivering heavy hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to each Benched Pokémon, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage at the cost of discarding two Energy. A formidable card.

Hop’s Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a powerful 240-damage attack. The limitation of Brave Slash, which can't be used consecutively, necessitates a switching strategy. Insta-Strike provides some spread damage, but Zacian is designed for one-hit knockouts.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A support-focused Psychic Pokémon that heals 30 damage each turn thanks to Confectionary Gift. Whipped Shot's 160 damage is respectable, but this card shines as a sustain option in control decks.

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

A tricky Pokémon that spreads damage effectively. Mischievous Hands puts 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 their strategy.

Veluza ex (043/159)

A Water-type glass cannon capable of 240 damage if you're willing to discard your entire hand. Purging Strike is a high-risk, high-reward move, while Razor Fin's 30 damage is negligible. This card is all about going all-in.

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 both players’ Bench size, potentially becoming a late-game sweeper.

Volcanion ex (031/159)

A Fire-type bruiser that burns the opponent’s Active Pokémon just by being in play via Scalding Steam. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is excellent, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon enhances its utility.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

An absolute tank at 340 HP, capable of searching your deck for any Pokémon 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 Salamence ex pull, and I'm not complaining. It boasts the same brutal power as the first, with Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. Perfect for those who favor big, hard-hitting Pokémon.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is poised to be one of the most thrilling Pokémon TCG expansions in recent years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon, a nostalgic feature absent for years, adds a personal touch to battles. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive play, or 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 March 28 release date approaching, 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 are countless incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.