Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together is set to launch on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. Fans of classics like EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua will be thrilled to see this nostalgic feature return. Let's dive into what makes this set so exciting.

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This set highlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with their unique Pokémon ex that showcase their deep bonds with their teams. Whether you're building a deck around N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, this set offers ample opportunity to craft a deck that reflects your favorite Trainer.

Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule for 2025

My Journey Together Product Openings

With over 180 cards to discover, Journey Together is packed with treasures to chase. The set includes more than 40 Trainer's Pokémon, 16 Pokémon ex, 11 Illustration Rares, six Special Illustration Rares, and three Hyper Rare gold cards. Plus, the return of Box Toppers with Enhanced Booster Display Boxes featuring a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare adds even more excitement.

Journey Together Standard Booster Box

Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience. With 36 packs, you're in for a thrilling ride 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 standout moments, but even beyond the big hits, I pulled plenty of solid ex cards that are perfect for my decks.

Unfortunately, I didn't pull Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes—no guarantees, just chances. Still, this was the best way to experience the set. If you love opening packs or want to boost your collection, a Booster Box is the way to go. Check out all the rare pulls listed below; this box was definitely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium experience, and the N's Zorua promo card immediately caught my eye. The box itself is ideal for storing cards, and the included sleeves, dice, and condition markers are great for players. With nine booster packs, there's still a good chance for exciting pulls.

Despite the smaller number of packs, I managed to pull Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening worthwhile. Elite Trainer Boxes may not have as many hits as a Booster Box, but the structured, all-in-one product is appealing. If you want both pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a fantastic way to experience Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview below; we ended up with some serious gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes offer a unique experience. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to start playing immediately. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, a powerful card that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.

The four packs included in the box didn't disappoint. I pulled Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, perfectly fitting my deck's theme. While you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, Build & Battle Boxes are the best option for quickly starting to play with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager to get 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 all our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

After opening 49 booster packs across all our products, I ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will definitely be pulling more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I pulled:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

A robust Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 extra damage. Dynamic Press packs a punch, but the 80 recoil damage is a downside. Still, the ability makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

A cute but unremarkable card that's meant to evolve into something better. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't turn heads, but if Zoroark ex is 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. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy. A definite win.

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

A 280 HP Lightning-type beast with Energy acceleration capabilities. Electric Streamer lets you attach unlimited Lightning Energy to Iono's Pokémon, making it a powerhouse for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt's 230 damage is impressive, though it requires 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. Perfect for refreshing your hand, especially in decks that benefit from discarding Energy or Pokémon. The full art design makes it even more appealing.

Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)

A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with its Flashing Draw ability, albeit at the cost of discarding a Lightning Energy. 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 accumulate serious damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid, though Energy-intensive. Ideal 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. Ice Blast's 110 damage is respectable, making it a great starting piece for any Water deck.

Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)

This adorable card is 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 to attack.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

A 320 HP Dragon-type powerhouse that excels at spreading damage and delivering powerful hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, while Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, albeit at the cost of discarding two Energy. An absolute beast.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

A Steel-type legendary with a brutal 240-damage attack. Brave Slash can't be used consecutively, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike spreads some damage, but Zacian is designed to knock out opponents in one hit.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

A support-heavy Psychic Pokémon that heals 30 damage every turn with Confectionary Gift. 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 spreads damage with Mischievous Hands, placing three damage counters on two of your opponent's Pokémon. 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 with Scalding Steam. 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 with more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it terrifying in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

A second Salamence ex with the same brutal power, featuring Wide Blast for spreading damage and Dragon Impact for a massive 300 damage hit. If you love 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 enhances the personal feel of battles. Whether you're a collector drawn to the stunning artwork, a competitive player seeking valuable cards, or someone who cherishes the nostalgia, this set has something for everyone.

With its release date of March 28, 2025, fast approaching, now is the perfect 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.

### 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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