If you're a Pokémon Trading Card Game fan, then you’ve got something truly special to look forward to — the Scarlet & Violet: Journey Together expansion drops on March 28, 2025, and it’s bringing back a beloved mechanic that hasn’t been seen since 2004. Get ready for the return of Trainer’s Pokémon, just like those iconic cards from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua. It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a fresh twist, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share my preview of this exciting set.
### Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together Booster Sleeves
$4.99
Save 5% → $4.74 at GameStop
$4.49 at Best Buy
### Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together Build and Battle Box
$21.99
Save 5% → $20.89 at GameStop
### Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together Booster Bundle
$29.99
Save 5% → $28.49 at GameStop
### Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together Booster Box (36 Count)
$160.99 at Best Buy
Available at GameStop
### Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
Available at GameStop
### Pokémon Trading Card Game: Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together Three Booster Blister
$14.99
Save 5% → $14.24 at GameStop
This set centers around four legendary Trainers — N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop — each receiving their own powerful Pokémon ex cards that highlight the deep connection they share 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 golden opportunity.
Want to know what else is coming in 2025? Check out the full Pokémon TCG Release Schedule.
My Journey Together Product Openings
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
With over 180 cards in the set, there’s plenty to collect and enjoy. Expect to find:
- 40+ Trainer’s Pokémon
- 16 Pokémon ex
- 11 Illustration Rares
- 6 Special Illustration Rares
- 3 Hyper Rare gold cards
Box toppers are making a comeback too, with select Enhanced Booster Display Boxes featuring a stunning N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare stamped on the outside.
Journey Together Standard Booster Box
Cracking open a Booster Box is always an adrenaline rush — 36 packs mean plenty of opportunities to pull some incredible cards. Among my highlights were:
- N’s Reshiram Illustration Rare
- Iono’s Bellibolt ex Secret Rare
- Hyper Rare Spiky Energy
Even if the big names didn’t all show up, I still walked away with several solid ex cards ready to slot into competitive decks. While I missed out on Hop’s Zacian ex and Lillie’s Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, that’s just part of the thrill of pack opening. All in all, this was one of the most satisfying unboxings I’ve had in a while. If you're looking to boost your collection with a massive influx of cards, the Booster Box is definitely the way to go.
Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
The Elite Trainer Box offers a more refined experience compared to loose packs. Right off the bat, the N’s Zorua promo card stood out, and the included storage box is perfect for keeping your collection organized.
Inside, I found:
- Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare
- Articuno Illustration Rare
- Veluza ex
While the nine-pack count means fewer high-tier pulls than a Booster Box, the added value of sleeves, dice, and condition markers makes this product feel premium. It's ideal for players who want both gameplay-ready accessories and a few standout cards. Definitely worth the investment if you're after a balanced mix of utility and collectibility.
Journey Together Build and Battle Box
If you're eager to jump straight into gameplay without sorting through dozens of cards, the Build and Battle Box is your best bet. This product includes a fully built 40-card deck tailored around the new mechanics in Journey Together, plus four booster packs for extra customization.
My promo card pull — Hop’s Snorlax — was a strong addition, offering a 30-damage boost to all of Hop’s Pokémon. From the packs, I pulled:
- Mamoswine ex
- Swinub Illustration Rare
While the number of rare hits is naturally lower than a Booster Box, this set gives you everything you need to start playing immediately. With four different promo cards available, I’m already planning to grab another box just to see what else I can get.
Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls
Across 49 total booster packs, I managed to pull 18 rare cards — some expected, others completely surprising. One thing’s for sure: trainers will be seeing more rare pulls than Prismatic Evolutions in this set.
Here’s a breakdown of the standouts:
Hop’s Snorlax (Promo #184)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A 150 HP Basic Pokémon that boosts all of Hop’s Pokémon attacks by 30 damage. While Dynamic Press hits hard, the 80 recoil damage is risky. Still, its ability alone makes it a valuable piece for any Hop-themed strategy.
N’s Zorua (Promo #189)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A basic evolution Pokémon with modest stats. Its real value lies in being able to evolve into Zoroark ex, which could be a powerhouse in this set.
Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (#190/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A must-have in any deck. Not only does it provide Colorless Energy, but it also deals 20 damage every time the attached Pokémon gets hit — making it both offensive and defensive.
Iono’s Bellibolt ex – Secret Rare (#172/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
With 280 HP and the Electric Streamer ability, this Lightning-type monster accelerates unlimited Lightning Energy onto Iono’s Pokémon. Thunderous Bolt dishes out 230 damage — well worth skipping a turn.
Iris’s Fighting Spirit Full Art (#180/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
A fantastic draw engine that lets you discard one card to draw until you have six. Perfect for decks that benefit from discarding resources. Plus, it’s a beautiful full-art design.
Iono’s Kilowattrel Illustration Rare (#163/159)
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.
Flashy Draw allows you to refill your hand by discarding a Lightning Energy first. Mach Bolt
