When I first heard that the Pokémon TCG was bringing back Trainer’s Pokémon in the upcoming Journey Together set, I immediately felt that rush of nostalgia from the days of Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge. Those were the sets that first captured the special bond between trainers and their Pokémon companions—something that’s always been at the heart of what makes Pokémon special.
Now, with Journey Together launching on March 28, 2025, we’re revisiting this concept with a modern twist. This ninth expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series is already generating major buzz in the community, and for good reason. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this exciting new set!
What Makes Journey Together Special?
Journey Together celebrates the connection between beloved trainers and their signature Pokémon. Fan favorites like N, Lillie, Iono, and Hop take center stage alongside their trusted partners in stunning full-art cards that showcase these special relationships.
The set introduces:
- Trainer-Pokémon duo cards with incredible artwork
- Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) with expanded artwork
- Secret Rares that will have collectors scrambling
- Competitive-viable cards for players
Top 10 Most Valuable Cards to Watch For
Based on early reveals and collector interest, here are the cards that will likely command the highest prices:
1. Lillie’s Clefairy ex (Special Art Rare)
Susumu Maeya’s illustration of Lillie and Clefairy surrounded by blooming flowers has already captured collectors’ hearts. The vibrant, full-border design and the enduring popularity of Lillie as a character make this the crown jewel of the set.
2. Iono’s Bellibolt ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Beyond the charming artwork showing Iono with her Bellibolt in a cozy setting, this card features the powerful Electric Streamer ability that allows unlimited Lightning Energy attachment to Iono’s Pokémon. This combination of competitive viability and collector appeal will drive its value.
3. N’s Zoroark ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Designed by Mizutani Megumi, this card shows the enigmatic N with Zoroark in battle-ready stance. The mysterious connection between these two has been a subject of fan theories for years, making this card especially significant for the lore-obsessed collectors.
4. Hop’s Zacian ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Featuring the legendary Pokémon in its Crowned Sword form alongside Hop, this dynamic card balances power and storytelling in a way that appeals to both players and collectors.
5. Lillie’s Clefairy ex (Secret Rare)
This alternative version captures a quieter moment between Lillie and Clefairy. Multiple versions of the same trainer-Pokémon pair are rare in the TCG, making this uniquely valuable.
6. Iono’s Kilowattrel (Illustration Rare)
Terada Tera’s playful manga-style illustration shows Iono and Kilowattrel enjoying a meal together. Look closely for the Magnemite-shaped cloud in the background—these delightful details always boost collector interest.
7. Hop’s Zacian ex (Secret Rare)
The action-packed composition of this Secret Rare, with Zacian dominating the foreground and Hop positioned supportively behind, creates visual drama that collectors love.
8. Wailord (Illustration Rare)
Katsunori Sato’s breathtaking sunset scene places Wailord in the ocean with a tiny boat nearby to emphasize its massive scale. This kind of artistic storytelling always performs well on the secondary market.
9. N’s Reshiram (Special Illustration Rare)
Illustrated by Bun Tuojo (who also created that incredible Mewtwo for the 151 set), this card shows N soaring through clouds with Reshiram. It’s also included as the promo box topper in Enhanced Booster Boxes, adding to its significance.
10. Volcanion ex (Special Art Rare)
With dramatic magma eruptions in the background, this card showcases Volcanion in its elemental glory. Cards that capture Pokémon in their natural environments consistently perform well with collectors.
Product Guide: Best Ways to Buy Journey Together
If you’re trying to figure out the most cost-effective way to get your hands on Journey Together cards, I’ve broken down each product option with their contents and value proposition:
Enhanced Booster Box
Price: $161.64
Contents: 36 booster packs + N’s Reshiram promo box topper
Value: $4.49 per pack plus the exclusive promo
Availability: North America gets the enhanced version exclusively, while Europe may have both standard and enhanced options
This marks a shift for Pokémon TCG, with the “Enhanced Booster Box” concept adding a promo box topper. If you’re a serious collector, this is the most efficient way to acquire a large number of packs while also securing that exclusive N’s Reshiram promo.
Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box
Price: $59.99
Contents: 11 booster packs, 2 N’s Zorua promos (one with PC stamp), card sleeves, and accessories
Value: $5.45 per pack plus exclusive promos and accessories
These sold out almost instantly during the first pre-order wave, and some resellers are already listing them at double MSRP on auction sites. If you can somehow snag one at retail price, it’s an excellent value with those exclusive stamped promos.
Standard Elite Trainer Box
Price: $49.99
Contents: 9 booster packs, N’s Zorua promo, sleeves, and accessories
Value: $5.55 per pack plus promo and accessories
A reliable staple, the standard ETB offers decent value if you enjoy the included accessories. It’s also a great option for gifting or keeping sealed for future collecting.
Booster Bundle
Price: $26.94
Contents: 6 booster packs
Value: $4.49 per pack
Think of these as mini booster boxes—they offer the pure pack-cracking experience without any extras. If you just want cards and don’t care about promos or accessories, this is your best bet.
3-Pack Blister
Price: $12.99
Contents: 3 booster packs + Scrafty or Yanmega promo card
Value: $4.33 per pack plus promo
These represent solid value, especially if you find them at big box retailers like Target or Walmart. They’re perfect for casual collectors or as an affordable way to experience the set.
Checklane Blister
Price: $5.99
Contents: 1 booster pack, Scraggy or Yanma promo card, 1 coin
Value: Technically expensive per pack, but includes extras
While not the most cost-effective option at $5.99 for a single pack, the included promo and coin might appeal to younger collectors or completionists.
Premium Checklane Blister
Price: $5.99
Contents: 1 booster pack, 3 promo cards (Rhyhorn or Klink evolution line), 1 coin
Value: Similar to regular Checklane but with an evolution line
This variant offers the same pricing as the standard Checklane Blister but provides a complete evolution line of reprinted cards instead of a single promo. Good for deck builders looking for specific evolution chains.
Tips for Budget-Conscious Collectors
If you’re trying to maximize your pulls without breaking the bank:
- Wait for the second wave. The initial FOMO often drives prices up, but they typically stabilize a few weeks after release.
- Check big box retailers. Walmart, Target, and similar stores often maintain MSRP even when specialty shops increase prices.
- Consider loose pack lots. Many sellers break down sealed products into lots of 10 or 36 packs. If you buy from reputable sellers with extensive positive feedback, this can be a safe way to get packs below MSRP.
- Focus on singles for chase cards. Sometimes it’s more economical to just buy the specific cards you want rather than gambling on pulls.
Final Thoughts
Journey Together represents everything I love about Pokémon TCG—it celebrates the bonds between trainers and their Pokémon while offering something for everyone, whether you’re a competitive player, an art enthusiast, or a nostalgic collector.
The return of Trainer’s Pokémon cards taps into what made early sets like Gym Heroes special while bringing modern artwork and gameplay mechanics to the table. If you’re getting back into the TCG or have been collecting all along, this set feels like an important one to experience.
Are you planning to go all-in on Journey Together? Which cards are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments!
Remember: The set launches on March 28, 2025. Keep an eye out for pre-orders and make sure to support your local game stores if possible!
