Journey Together Price Guide: Best Cards to Invest In 2026

Released in March 2025 as the ninth main expansion of the Scarlet & Violet series, Journey Together has quickly become one of the most nostalgic and collectible sets in modern Pokémon TCG. With its revival of the Trainer's Pokémon mechanic—not seen since 2015's Double Crisis expansion—this 190+ card set features beloved characters like Lillie, N, Iono, and Hop alongside their signature Pokémon partners.

As we move through 2026, the Journey Together market has matured significantly. Early hype has settled, prices have stabilized, and smart collectors are now identifying which cards offer genuine long-term value. This comprehensive price guide breaks down the set's most valuable cards, analyzes current market trends, and helps you make informed decisions about which Journey Together cards deserve a spot in your collection or investment portfolio.

Journey Together Set Overview: What Makes It Special

Journey Together (SV09) consists of 159 main set cards plus 31 secret rares, totaling over 190 unique cards. The set's Japanese counterpart, Battle Partners, laid the groundwork for what would become one of 2025's most anticipated releases.

Key Set Features

• Trainer's Pokémon Mechanic Revival: Cards feature specific trainers paired with their iconic Pokémon, creating narrative-driven collectibles
• Special Illustration Rares (SIRs): Stunning full-art cards showcasing trainers and Pokémon together
• Gold Hyper Rares: Premium versions of popular ex cards with golden borders
• Illustration Rares: Beautiful alternate art cards featuring Pokémon in scenic environments
• Enhanced Booster Boxes: Exclusive stamped N's Reshiram Illustration Rare promo card

The nostalgia factor cannot be overstated. Characters like Lillie and N have massive fan followings from the video games and anime, which directly translates to sustained collector demand for their featured cards.

Top 10 Most Valuable Journey Together Cards (2026 Prices)

1. Lillie's Clefairy ex Special Illustration Rare #184

Current Raw Price: ~$116.92
PSA 10 Sales: $900-$1,000

The undisputed crown jewel of Journey Together, Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR has maintained remarkable price stability throughout 2026. Lillie remains one of the most beloved characters in Pokémon history, and her pairing with Clefairy—a callback to her Sun & Moon storyline—resonates deeply with collectors.

Investment Outlook: Strong hold. The combination of character popularity, beautiful artwork, and relatively low pull rates (approximately 1 in 500 packs) creates a solid foundation for long-term value. PSA 10 examples have shown consistent demand at the $900-$1,000 range.

2. N's Zoroark ex Special Illustration Rare #185

Current Raw Price: ~$55-$60
Market Position: #2 chase card in set

N's popularity from Black & White games makes this the second-most sought-after card in Journey Together. Zoroark's dual typing and competitive viability add utility beyond pure collecting appeal.

Investment Outlook: Moderate buy. While prices have cooled from initial release, N's enduring fanbase provides a stable demand floor. This card has room for appreciation as the set ages.

3. Salamence ex Special Illustration Rare #187

Current Market Value: $45-$50 range

Pseudo-legendary Pokémon consistently perform well in the collector market, and Salamence is no exception. The dramatic artwork showcasing this Dragon/Flying-type in flight has broad appeal.

Investment Outlook: Sleeper pick. Pseudo-legendaries historically appreciate well over time. Lower current prices compared to trainer-focused cards may present value opportunity.

4. Iono's Bellibolt ex Special Illustration Rare #183

Current Raw Price: ~$50-$55

Iono's explosive popularity from Scarlet & Violet games carries over to this charming card featuring her partner Bellibolt. The playful artwork captures Iono's energetic personality perfectly.

Investment Outlook: Hold and monitor. Iono is still relatively new to the Pokémon franchise compared to legacy characters, so her long-term collector appeal remains to be fully established.

5. Hop's Zacian ex Special Illustration Rare #186

Current Raw Price: ~$40+

Featuring the legendary Zacian from Sword & Shield, this card appeals to both Hop fans and legendary Pokémon collectors. Zacian's competitive dominance in VGC adds crossover appeal.

Investment Outlook: Moderate hold. Legendary Pokémon maintain consistent demand, though Hop's character popularity doesn't quite match N or Lillie's levels.

6. Volcanion ex Special Illustration Rare #182

Current Raw Price: ~$39.49

The most affordable SIR in the set, Volcanion represents an accessible entry point for collectors pursuing the full SIR rainbow.

Investment Outlook: Budget option. Less character-driven appeal limits upside, but completion collectors will always need this card.

7. N's Zoroark ex Hyper Rare (Gold) #189

Current Raw Price: ~$12.50

Interestingly, the gold Hyper Rare version trades at a significant discount to the SIR version—a pattern we're seeing across modern sets where illustration quality trumps premium borders.

Investment Outlook: Pass. The SIR version (#185) is the superior investment for N/Zoroark collectors.

8. Iono's Bellibolt ex Hyper Rare (Gold) #188

Current Raw Price: ~$30

This gold secret rare version offers an alternative to the SIR for Iono collectors, though at a lower price point.

Investment Outlook: Neutral. Better options exist in this price range.

9. Articuno Illustration Rare #161

Current Raw Price: ~$29.70
Price Change: Down from $70 at pre-release

This dramatic price correction represents one of Journey Together's most notable market shifts. The beautiful Illustration Rare showcases Articuno in a snowy landscape, but oversupply has pressured prices downward.

Investment Outlook: Potential value play. The 58% price drop may have overcorrected. Articuno is a generation one legendary with enduring appeal—this could be a buying opportunity for patient investors.

10. Wailord Illustration Rare #162

Current Raw Price: Under $20

Wailord's massive size translates to impressive artwork on this Illustration Rare, which is gaining traction among collectors who appreciate its unique perspective.

Investment Outlook: Speculative hold. Low price point limits downside risk while offering upside if collector interest continues building.

Market Analysis: Journey Together in 2026

Price Trends Since Release

Journey Together has experienced the typical post-release cooling period that affects most modern Pokémon sets. Several factors have influenced price trajectories:

Downward Pressure:

• Release of competing sets (Mega Evolution revival, Destined Rivals) diverted collector attention and capital
• Initial hype-driven pricing has normalized as supply increased
• Modern print runs are larger than vintage sets, increasing availability
• Economic factors affecting discretionary spending on collectibles

Stabilizing Forces:

• Character-driven cards (Lillie, N) maintain strong demand floors
• Trainer's Pokémon mechanic creates unique collectible appeal
• Low pull rates for SIRs (~1/500 packs) limit supply
• Growing recognition of the set's nostalgic value

Pull Rates and Box Economics

Understanding pull rates is crucial for evaluating investment potential:

• Special Illustration Rares: Approximately 1 in 500 packs (~1 per 14 booster boxes)
• Gold Hyper Rares: Approximately 1 in 140 packs (~1 per 4 booster boxes)
• Standard Illustration Rares: Roughly 1 per booster box
• Regular ex Cards: 2-3 per booster box

Current Booster Box Prices:

• Regular Booster Box: ~$246.82
• Enhanced Booster Box (with N's Reshiram promo): ~$210
• N's Zoroark ETB: $83.79
• Pokémon Center Exclusive ETB: $138.93

The Enhanced Booster Box presents interesting value, as the exclusive N's Reshiram promo adds significant collector appeal at a competitive price point.

Investment Strategy: Which Journey Together Cards to Buy

Tier 1: Premium Investments (Strong Buy)

Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR #184
The set's flagship card combines character popularity, beautiful artwork, and proven price stability. PSA 10 examples near $1,000 represent the ceiling for modern Scarlet & Violet cards, indicating strong sustained demand.

Strategy: Acquire PSA 10 examples if budget allows, or purchase raw near-mint copies for grading. The spread between raw ($117) and PSA 10 ($950) creates profitable grading opportunities for gem mint copies.

Tier 2: Solid Long-Term Holds

N's Zoroark ex SIR #185
Salamence ex SIR #187
Iono's Bellibolt ex SIR #183

These cards offer character appeal (N, Iono) or Pokémon popularity (Salamence) at more accessible price points. They're unlikely to match Lillie's appreciation rate but should maintain or modestly increase in value over 3-5 years.

Strategy: Accumulate during market dips. These cards will be needed by set completionists, providing a demand floor.

Tier 3: Speculative Value Plays

Articuno Illustration Rare #161
The 58% price decline from pre-release may represent overcorrection. At ~$30, downside risk is limited while upside potential exists if the card gains recognition as undervalued.

Hop's Zacian ex SIR #186
Legendary Pokémon historically appreciate well. Current $40 price point offers reasonable entry for a card featuring a modern legendary with competitive game relevance.

Strategy: Small position sizes appropriate for speculative investments. Don't allocate more than 10-15% of your Pokémon TCG investment budget to speculative picks.

What to Avoid

Gold Hyper Rares (in most cases)
The market has clearly spoken: collectors prefer Special Illustration Rares over gold borders. The price gap between N's Zoroark SIR ($55-60) and its gold version ($12.50) illustrates this preference dramatically.

Exception: Iono's Bellibolt gold Hyper Rare at $30 might appeal to budget-conscious Iono collectors, but the SIR is the superior investment.

Grading Considerations for Journey Together Cards

Given the significant price premiums for PSA 10 examples of top cards, grading can be highly profitable—but only for the right cards in the right condition.

Cards Worth Grading

Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR #184

• Raw price: ~$117
• PSA 10 price: ~$950
• Grading spread: $833
• Grading cost (PSA): ~$25-40 depending on service level
• ROI potential: 700%+ if card grades PSA 10

Recommendation: Grade any near-mint or better copy. The massive spread justifies grading costs even with PSA 9 risk.

N's Zoroark ex SIR #185

• Raw price: ~$55-60
• PSA 10 estimate: $200-250
• Grading spread: ~$150-190
• ROI potential: 250-300%

Recommendation: Grade only if you're confident in gem mint condition. The spread is profitable but narrower than Lillie.

Cards Not Worth Grading (Currently)

Most cards under $30 raw don't justify grading costs unless you're pursuing a complete PSA 10 set for personal collection. The PSA 10 premiums don't offset grading expenses and risk of lower grades.

Long-Term Outlook: Journey Together in the Modern Era

Factors Supporting Long-Term Value

1. Nostalgic Character Appeal
Lillie, N, and other featured trainers have cemented their places in Pokémon history. Unlike flavor-of-the-month characters, these trainers have multi-generational appeal that should sustain demand.

2. Unique Mechanic Revival
The Trainer's Pokémon concept hasn't been used extensively since 2015. This rarity within modern sets gives Journey Together a unique identity that will age well.

3. Pokémon 30th Anniversary Context
Released during Pokémon's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2026, Journey Together benefits from heightened community engagement and nostalgia.

4. Quality Artwork
The Special Illustration Rares feature some of the best artwork in modern Pokémon TCG, particularly the character-focused cards. Artistic quality is a key driver of long-term collectibility.

Risks and Challenges

1. Modern Print Runs
Contemporary Pokémon sets have significantly larger print runs than vintage releases. While this improves accessibility, it limits scarcity-driven appreciation.

2. Competition from Other Sets
The Scarlet & Violet era has produced numerous high-quality sets. Journey Together must compete for collector attention and capital against sets like 151, Prismatic Evolutions, and upcoming releases.

3. Economic Headwinds
Collectible markets are sensitive to broader economic conditions. Discretionary spending on trading cards often decreases during economic uncertainty.

4. Shifting Collector Preferences
Modern collectors increasingly favor illustration quality over traditional chase card hierarchies (as evidenced by SIR vs. Hyper Rare pricing). Future preference shifts could affect relative valuations.

Building a Journey Together Collection: Practical Advice

For Set Completionists

If your goal is completing the full Journey Together master set, prioritize acquisition strategy:

Phase 1: Acquire the "Big 3" SIRs (Lillie, N's Zoroark, Salamence) while monitoring prices for dips
Phase 2: Complete remaining SIRs and gold Hyper Rares
Phase 3: Fill in Illustration Rares and standard ex cards
Phase 4: Complete common/uncommon/rare main set

Budget Approach: Focus on raw near-mint copies rather than graded cards. You'll save 60-70% while still owning every card.

For Investors

Concentrate capital on cards with strongest appreciation potential:

70% allocation: Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR (PSA 10 preferred, raw acceptable)
20% allocation: N's Zoroark ex SIR and Salamence ex SIR
10% allocation: Speculative plays (Articuno IR, Hop's Zacian ex SIR)

This allocation balances proven performers with value opportunities while maintaining liquidity.

For Players

Several Journey Together cards see competitive play:

• N's Zoroark ex: Viable in Dark-type decks
• Hop's Zacian ex: Playable in Metal-focused strategies
• Iono's Bellibolt ex: Situational Electric-type option

For players, prioritize gameplay utility over investment potential. Purchase singles rather than opening packs, as the expected value of booster boxes favors collectors over players.

Comparing Journey Together to Other Modern Sets

vs. 151 (Scarlet & Violet)

151 benefits from featuring original 151 Pokémon with massive nostalgia appeal. Cards like Charizard ex SIR command higher prices than Journey Together's top cards. However, Journey Together offers better value for mid-tier collectors, with more accessible chase cards in the $50-100 range.

vs. Prismatic Evolutions

Prismatic Evolutions' Eevee-lution focus creates concentrated demand on fewer chase cards. Journey Together's character-driven approach spreads value across more cards, potentially offering better diversification.

vs. Temporal Forces

Temporal Forces introduced Ancient/Future mechanics with competitive gameplay implications. Journey Together focuses more on collectibility than competitive play, attracting different buyer demographics.

Verdict: Journey Together occupies a unique niche emphasizing character nostalgia and artistic presentation over gameplay mechanics or Pokémon-only focus.

Where to Buy Journey Together Cards in 2026

Sealed Product

• Local Game Stores: Support your LGS while often finding competitive pricing
• Online Retailers: TCGPlayer, eBay, Amazon for price comparison
• Pokémon Center: Exclusive Enhanced Booster Boxes with N's Reshiram promo

Singles

• TCGPlayer: Largest selection with competitive marketplace pricing
• eBay: Good for graded cards and auction opportunities
• Facebook Groups: Pokémon TCG community groups often have below-market deals
• Local Card Shops: Immediate acquisition without shipping costs

Pro Tip: Monitor pokemonpricetracker.com for price trends before making significant purchases. Understanding whether cards are trending up or down helps time your acquisitions.

Storage and Preservation Tips

Protecting your Journey Together investments ensures they maintain or appreciate in value:

For Raw Cards

• Penny sleeves + top loaders: Minimum protection for cards $10+
• Card Savers: Preferred for cards destined for grading
• Binders with side-loading pages: Never use ring binders that could damage cards
• Climate control: Store in cool, dry environment (avoid attics, basements, garages)

For Graded Cards

• Graded card storage boxes: Protect slabs from scratches and damage
• Display cases: UV-protected cases if displaying valuable PSA 10s
• Insurance: Consider collectibles insurance for holdings exceeding $5,000

Handling Best Practices

• Always handle cards by edges, never touching the surface
• Wash and dry hands before handling valuable cards
• Use clean, flat surfaces when examining cards
• Avoid eating or drinking near your collection

Future Predictions for Journey Together

12-Month Outlook (Through Early 2027)

Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR: Stable to modest growth. PSA 10 examples may approach $1,100-1,200 as supply tightens and the set ages. Raw copies should hold $110-130 range.

N's Zoroark ex SIR: Potential appreciation to $70-80 as N's character popularity remains strong and the card becomes harder to find in gem mint condition.

Articuno Illustration Rare: Recovery potential to $40-50 if collectors recognize the value proposition at current prices.

3-5 Year Outlook (2029-2031)

Best Case Scenario:

• Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR PSA 10 reaches $1,500-2,000
• Top-tier SIRs (N, Salamence) appreciate 100-150%
• Journey Together gains recognition as a defining Scarlet & Violet era set

Realistic Scenario:

• Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR PSA 10 stabilizes at $1,200-1,400
• Mid-tier SIRs appreciate 30-50%
• Set maintains steady collector interest but doesn't achieve "vintage" status premiums

Worst Case Scenario:

• Oversupply from continued printing suppresses prices
• Newer sets with better mechanics or more popular characters overshadow Journey Together
• Top cards decline 20-30% from current levels

Most Likely: The realistic scenario. Journey Together will be remembered as a solid Scarlet & Violet set with strong character appeal, maintaining value but unlikely to achieve explosive growth absent major catalysts.

Key Takeaways: Journey Together Investment Summary

Cards to Buy Now

1. Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR #184 - The set's crown jewel with proven staying power
2. N's Zoroark ex SIR #185 - Strong character appeal at accessible price point
3. Salamence ex SIR #187 - Pseudo-legendary with appreciation potential
4. Articuno Illustration Rare #161 - Value play after significant price correction

Cards to Monitor

• Iono's Bellibolt ex SIR #183 - Watch for Iono's character popularity trajectory
• Hop's Zacian ex SIR #186 - Legendary Pokémon could appreciate with set aging

Cards to Avoid

• Most Gold Hyper Rares (market prefers SIRs)
• Low-value commons/uncommons (unless completing set)
• Overpriced sealed product above MSRP (unless Enhanced Booster Box)

Investment Philosophy

Journey Together represents a character-driven set in an era of Pokémon-focused releases. Its unique Trainer's Pokémon mechanic and nostalgic character selection create a distinct collecting experience. While unlikely to match vintage card appreciation rates, the set's top cards should maintain or modestly increase in value over the next 3-5 years.

Focus investments on character-driven Special Illustration Rares, particularly those featuring Lillie and N. These cards benefit from sustained demand that transcends temporary market fluctuations. Avoid chasing short-term hype and instead build positions during market dips when other sets draw collector attention away from Journey Together.

Note: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your own research before making investment decisions. The Pokémon TCG market can be volatile, and cards discussed in this guide may not appreciate as predicted. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and consider diversifying your collectibles portfolio.

Conclusion: Is Journey Together Worth Your Investment?

Journey Together occupies a unique space in the Scarlet & Violet era—a set that prioritizes character nostalgia and narrative storytelling over pure Pokémon appeal or competitive gameplay mechanics. This focus creates both opportunities and limitations for investors and collectors.

For collectors, Journey Together offers beautiful artwork featuring beloved characters at relatively accessible price points compared to sets like 151 or Prismatic Evolutions. The Special Illustration Rares showcase some of the best character-Pokémon artwork in modern TCG, making them rewarding additions to any collection.

For investors, the set presents a measured opportunity rather than explosive growth potential. Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR has demonstrated remarkable price stability and commands legitimate premiums in PSA 10, suggesting strong long-term demand. Secondary chase cards like N's Zoroark ex SIR offer solid appreciation potential at more accessible entry points.

For players, Journey Together provides several competitively viable cards, though it's not primarily a gameplay-focused set. Purchase singles for deck construction rather than opening packs for pulls.

The set's greatest strength—its character-driven nostalgia—also ensures it won't be forgotten as newer releases arrive. Lillie, N, and other featured trainers have earned their places in Pokémon history, and their signature cards should maintain collector interest for years to come.

Whether you're completing your Scarlet & Violet master set, building an investment portfolio, or simply acquiring cards of your favorite characters, Journey Together offers something valuable. Focus on the top-tier Special Illustration Rares, be patient with market timing, and remember that the best Pokémon TCG investments are cards you'd be happy to own regardless of price appreciation.

Happy collecting, and may your Journey Together pulls be ever in your favor!