Mark your calendars, Pokémon TCG fans! The eagerly awaited Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025, bringing with it a nostalgic mechanic we haven't seen since 2004. The beloved Trainer's Pokémon are making a comeback, reminiscent of the classics from the EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua era. I'm thrilled to dive into this set and share my insights with you.
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 Buy See it at GameStop
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
3 $14.99 save 5% $14.24 at GameStop
This set shines a spotlight on four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each with their own Pokémon ex cards that highlight the deep 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, now is your chance to make it happen.
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 treasure trove of cards to chase. 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 back too, featuring Enhanced Booster Display Boxes with a stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare.
Journey Together Standard Booster Box
Opening a Booster Box is an exhilarating experience, with 36 packs offering a whirlwind of excitement. My top pulls included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and the Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. These were thrilling moments, and even beyond the big hits, I managed to pull a variety of solid ex cards that I'm eager to integrate into my decks.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Unfortunately, the one card I was hoping for, Hop's Zacian ex, didn't appear. Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare was also missing, but that's the nature of Booster Boxes. You get many chances, but no guarantees. Nonetheless, this was the best way to experience the set. If you love the thrill of opening packs or want to significantly expand your collection, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out all the rare pulls further down; it was absolutely worth it for me.
Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
Elite Trainer Boxes offer a premium feel compared to 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 players, and with nine booster packs, there's still a good chance for great pulls.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
With only nine packs, I didn't expect anything too spectacular, but I was pleasantly surprised with Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These fun pulls made the opening completely worthwhile. While ETBs don't offer the volume of hits that a Booster Box does, there's something special about the structured, all-in-one package. If you're looking for a blend of pack-opening fun and collectible extras, this is a great way to dive into Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview further down; we ended up with some incredible gems.
Journey Together Build & Battle Box
Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience compared to Booster and Elite Trainer Boxes, but they have their own charm. The main attraction here is the prebuilt 40-card deck, allowing you to jump straight into a game without sorting through countless cards. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, which is a fantastic card. Its ability boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by 30 extra damage, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
The four packs didn't disappoint either. 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, this is the best way to quickly start playing with the new set. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager to pick up another box to see which one I'll 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
Across 49 booster packs from all our products, I ended up with 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I was hoping for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will find themselves pulling a lot more rare cards than with 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 additional 30 damage. A great card for any Trainer-themed deck, Dynamic Press hits hard despite the 80 recoil damage. The ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.
N's Zorua (Promo 189)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A cute but unremarkable card meant to evolve into something more significant. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it won't turn heads, but if Zoroark ex proves strong, Zorua will have its moment.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
An instant staple in my decks, dealing 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to is hit. It's both offensive and defensive while providing Colorless Energy. A must-have.
Iono's Bellibolt ex-Secret Rare (172/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with incredible Energy acceleration. Its Electric Streamer ability allows unlimited Lightning Energy attachment to Iono's Pokémon, making it a vital engine for Lightning decks. Thunderous Bolt deals 230 damage, even if it means skipping a turn. This card is bound to see competitive play.
Iris's Fighting Spirit Full Art (180/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A risk-reward 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 adds to its appeal.
Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (163/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Lightning-type support Pokémon that refills your hand with Flashing Draw, though you must discard a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this card is more about hand advantage than brute force.
N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
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. Ideal for high-risk, high-reward plays.
Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
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 Water decks.
Swinub Illustration Rare (165/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
This adorable card is useful early-game, allowing you to search your deck for two Basic Pokémon with Call for Family. Lunge Out's 10 damage is minimal, but Swinub is here for setup, not attacking.
Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
This 320 HP Dragon-type monster excels at spreading damage and delivering heavy hits. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, and Dragon Impact slams for 300 damage, though you must discard two Energy. A formidable beast.
Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Steel-type legendary with a brutal 240-damage attack. The catch? Brave Slash can't be used twice in a row, requiring a switching strategy. Insta-Strike offers some spread damage, but Zacian is designed to knock out opponents in one hit.
Alcremie ex (075/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
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 in control decks as a sustain option.
Mimikyu ex (069/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A tricky Pokémon that loves spreading damage. 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)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Water-type glass cannon that can hit for 240 damage if you discard your entire hand. Purging Strike is high-risk, high-reward, while Razor Fin's 30 damage is negligible. This card is all-in or nothing.
Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Psychic-type that punishes Dragon decks with Fairy Zone, 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)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A Fire-type bruiser that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon just by being in play thanks to 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)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
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)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
The second Salamence ex I pulled, and I'm not complaining. It offers 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 card for you.
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 adds a nostalgic layer of personality to battles, appealing to collectors, competitive players, and fans alike. Whether you're drawn to the stunning artwork, competitive potential, or the nostalgia of Trainer's Pokémon, 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 Buy See it at GameStop
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
9 See 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 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's no shortage of incredible pulls waiting to be discovered.
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