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

The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet — Journey Together set is set to launch on March 28, 2025, and it's bringing back a beloved mechanic from 2004: Trainer's Pokémon. Fans of the classics from EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua will be thrilled to see this nostalgic feature make a comeback. I'm excited to give you a sneak peek into what this set has to offer.

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

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Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Build and Battle Box

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Pokemon Trading Card Game: Scarlet and Violet Journey Together Booster Box 36 Count

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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

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This set spotlights four iconic Trainers: N, Iono, Lillie, and Hop, each paired with Pokémon ex that highlight the strong bonds they share with their teams. If you've been dreaming of a deck featuring N's Zoroark ex, Lillie's Clefairy ex, or Iono's Bellibolt ex, now's 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 lot to chase in this set. It 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, 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 highlights included N's Reshiram Illustration Rare, Iono's Bellibolt ex Secret Rare, and a Hyper Rare Spiky Energy. Even beyond these big hits, I pulled numerous solid ex cards that are perfect for my decks.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Unfortunately, I didn't pull Hop's Zacian ex or Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Art Rare, but that's the thrill of Booster Boxes—nothing is guaranteed. However, this method offers the best way to dive deep into the set. If you enjoy opening packs or want to significantly boost your collection, a Booster Box is a fantastic choice. Check out the rare pulls below; this box was definitely worth it for me.

Journey Together Elite Trainer Box

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

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

Despite only having nine packs, I managed to pull Iono's Kilowattrel Illustration Rare, Articuno Illustration Rare, and a Veluza ex. These fun cards made the opening feel rewarding. ETBs may not offer as many hits as a Booster Box, but their structured, all-in-one format is a great way to experience Journey Together. Check out the full list of rare cards from our preview below; we got some incredible gems.

Journey Together Build & Battle Box

Build & Battle Boxes provide a unique experience. The main attraction is the prebuilt 40-card deck, which lets you jump straight into a game. I pulled Hop's Snorlax as my promo, a card that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon by 30 damage, making it essential for any deck featuring his lineup.

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

The four packs didn't disappoint, yielding Mamoswine ex and Swinub Illustration Rare, both perfect for my deck's theme. While you won't get as many rare pulls as with a Booster Box, this is the best way to start playing with the new set quickly. With four different promo cards available, I'm already eager to get another box to see what I pull next. Check out my Journey Together preview pulls below for some of the best cards from our openings.

Our Pokémon TCG: Journey Together Pulls

I opened 49 booster packs across all products and pulled 18 rare cards. Some were exactly what I hoped for, while others were delightful surprises. Trainers will definitely pull more rare cards than in Prismatic Evolutions. Here's what I got:

Hop's Snorlax (Promo 184)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A bulky Basic Pokémon with 150 HP that boosts all of Hop's Pokémon attacks by an extra 30 damage. This is a must-have for any Trainer-themed deck. Although Dynamic Press hits hard, the 80 recoil damage is significant. Still, the ability alone makes it a valuable addition to any Hop-based strategy.

N's Zorua (Promo 189)

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A cute but modest card meant to evolve into something more formidable. With 70 HP and 20 damage from Scratch, it's not a game-changer, but if Zoroark ex proves strong, Zorua will have its moment.

Spiky Energy Hyper Rare (190/159)

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An instant staple for my decks. It deals 20 damage every time the Pokémon it's attached to gets hit, offering both offensive and defensive benefits. Plus, it provides Colorless Energy. A total game-changer.

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

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A 280 HP Lightning-type powerhouse with Energy acceleration capabilities. Its Electric Streamer ability 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 competitive play.

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

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A risk-reward draw Supporter 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 makes it even more appealing.

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 its Flashing Draw ability, albeit requiring the discard of a Lightning Energy. Mach Bolt's 70 damage is average, but this bird is all about hand advantage.

N's Reshiram Illustration Rare (167/159)

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A 130 HP Dragon-type that becomes more dangerous with each hit it takes. Powerful Rage can deal significant damage, while Virtuous Flame's 170 damage is solid but Energy-intensive. Perfect for high-risk, high-reward strategies.

Articuno Illustration Rare (161/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

A Water-type setup Pokémon that can accelerate 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)

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This adorable card is surprisingly 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 is all about setup.

Salamence ex Secret Rare (177/159)

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This 320 HP Dragon-type monster excels at spreading damage and delivering powerful attacks. Wide Blast deals 50 damage to every Benched Pokémon, and Dragon Impact hits for 300 damage, though at the cost of discarding two Energy. A true powerhouse.

Hop's Zacian ex (111/159)

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A Steel-type legendary with a brutal 240-damage attack. The downside is that Brave Slash can't be used twice in a row, necessitating a switching strategy. Insta-Strike provides some spread damage, but Zacian is all about knocking out opponents in one hit.

Alcremie ex (075/159)

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

Mimikyu ex (069/159)

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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)

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

Lillie's Clefairy ex (056/159)

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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)

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A Fire-type bruiser that burns the opponent's Active Pokémon just by being in play thanks to its Scalding Steam ability. Scorching Cyclone's 160 damage is impressive, and moving an Energy to a Benched Pokémon makes it even better.

Mamoswine ex (079/159)

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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 if you have more Stage 2 Pokémon on your Bench, making it a terror in evolution-heavy decks.

Salamence ex (114/159)

IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company + Creatures Inc.

This is 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 one.

Should You Buy Pokémon TCG: Journey Together?

Journey Together is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Pokémon TCG expansions in years. The return of Trainer's Pokémon adds a nostalgic touch that hasn't been seen in years, enriching battles with personality. Whether you're collecting for stunning artwork, competitive value, or pure nostalgia, this set offers something for everyone.

With its March 28 release date approaching, now's the 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.