The Pokémon Company has officially announced the arrival of the highly anticipated Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), set to launch on March 28, 2025. Following recent leaks and speculation, Pokémon fans can now look forward to this new chapter featuring over 180 cards and introducing the beloved Trainer's Pokémon once again.
First teased during the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, the Journey Together set is expected to mark the return of the Trainer's Pokémon, previously featured prominently back in the Gym Heroes expansion nearly two decades ago. Each Trainer's Pokémon card will represent the strong bond between Pokémon and their respective trainers from the video games and anime series, incorporating popular characters such as N, Lillie, Iono, and Hop.
According to reports, players can expect to collect all-new Trainer's Pokémon cards, including exciting additions like N’s Zoroark ex, Iono’s Bellibolt ex, Lillie’s Clefairy ex, and Hop’s Zacian ex. The upcoming expansion will also introduce 16 Pokémon ex, more than 15 Trainer cards, and over 30 cards embellished with special illustrations. Fans of the series are particularly thrilled about the powerful playable mechanics associated with these cards.
Currently, fans can find preorder options for select products from the Journey Together expansion at the official Pokémon Center. Among the coveted items is the Elite Trainer Box, retailing at $59.99, which will include 11 booster packs, exclusive promo cards featuring N's Zorua, card sleeves, Energy cards, and additional gameplay accessories.
For those on the hunt for individual booster packs, these will also be available for $4.49 each, along with bundles at $26.94. An enhanced booster display box will include 36 booster packs and the unique N’s Reshiram promo card, available for $161.64. The Pokémon Company is clearly banking on the appeal of Trainer's Pokémon, which have added unique layers of strategy and connection to the game.
One of the significant changes to this expansion is the integration of traditional Pokémon alongside Trainer's Pokémon, diverging from previous sets like Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge, which strictly featured Trainer Pokémon. This shift could allow players to craft decks with greater flexibility, combining both trainers and traditional Pokémon cards. The only caveat remains whether packs will discover Trainer's Pokémon consistently.
Many collectors and players are eagerly awaiting the release, but not without concern about high demand potentially leading to issues of scalping. The Pokémon TCG community has already seen significant interest, especially after the both releases of the Prismatic Evolutions set earlier this year and the recent announcements. During recent pre-order launches, countless fans experienced technical difficulties as the Pokémon Center website faced unprecedented traffic due to this new expansion's popularity.
Interestingly, Journey Together will also broaden its audience by including cards available in Latin American Spanish, showcasing the Pokémon brand's commitment to inclusivity.
Before the official launch, Pokémon enthusiasts can participate in prerelease tournaments starting on March 15, 2025. Hosted at participating independent retailers, these events will allow players to engage with the set before its full-scale release. Digital trainers can also begin playing with new cards via the Pokémon TCG Live app for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows starting on March 27, 2025, allowing players to battle and collect with friends digitally.
With the combination of nostalgic Trainer’s Pokémon, innovative playstyles, and exciting gameplay mechanics, the Scarlet & Violet – Journey Together expansion promises to be another vibrant chapter for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Fans are left to ponder—what strategies will emerge from this new set? Will Trainer’s Pokémon continue to captivate both collectors and players alike? Only time will tell as March sets the stage for another thrilling Pokémon adventure.