The Current State of the Pokémon TCG

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is facing a storm right now, and the latest set, *Journey Together*, releases on March 28, 2024, amid a whirlwind of disappointment. Since the explosive launch of the *Surging Sparks* set in November 2023—which saw massive popularity and drew opportunistic scalpers—enthusiasts have struggled to get their hands on products. Unfortunately, *Journey Together* seems to be an anticlimactic response intended to smooth over this chaos, but it appears to miss the mark entirely.

Anticipation for *Destined Rivals*

Adding to the frustration, a soon-to-be-released set named *Destined Rivals* on May 29, 2024, promises to reintroduce fan-favorite antagonists Team Rocket for the first time in over two decades. With characters like Giovanni and Mewtwo making a comeback, collectors fear that the situation will worsen, especially as pre-orders for *Destined Rivals* already crashed Pokémon Center websites, as scalpers swept in to claim the stocks before fans had a chance.

Underwhelming Release of *Journey Together*

While some hoped *Journey Together* might offer a brief respite, its uninspired collection fails to satisfy the demand. Released 21 years after the concept was last featured, this set attempts to revive "Trainer's Pokémon," originally introduced in the *Gym Heroes* expansion, which pairs Pokémon with specific trainers showcasing unique abilities in-game. The trainers featured this time around include notable figures like N, Lillie, Hop, and social media star Iono, yet the excitement is dampened by a lack of standout artwork or appealing cards.

Collector Frustration and Scarcity

Many collectors are expressing conflicting feelings—they want the game to be accessible to players while lamenting the absence of collectible cards that usually accompany such releases. *Journey Together* is caught in a tough spot, squeezed between the previously released *Prismatic Evolutions* and the anticipated *Destined Rivals*. The complete dominance of scalpers has forced interested players to pay exorbitant prices for even the most basic packs, leading to frustration and disappointment among those who just want to enjoy the game.

Disappointing Card Pulls

After an initial review of 50 packs graciously provided by Pokémon, the results were disheartening. The card pulls were the most lackluster seen in the *Scarlet & Violet* era, yielding only seven common ex cards and five rare cards, which is particularly shocking given the set only includes 31 secret cards, significantly fewer than in previous sets.

Artwork and Design Concerns

Some standout art exists in the set, particularly featuring stunning visuals for Pokémon like Lycanroc and Reshiram, but they are drowned out by an overall lack of engaging designs. Longtime collectors are pining for the intricate artwork that has characterized earlier releases.

Gameplay Mechanics and New Introductions

The mechanics behind the return of Trainer's Pokémon show promise but currently feel underwhelming. With only 20 evolutionary lines, a significant proportion belongs to N and Hop, leaving the others trailing when it comes to standout abilities. For instance, N's Zoroark ex offers players strategic options but lacks the excitement associated with legendary or highly sought-after cards.

New Tools and Stadiums

New Tools and Stadiums introduced, like Lillie’s Pearl and N's Castle, do present opportunities for exciting gameplay. Lillie’s Pearl can shield a Pokémon from prize card setup, while N’s Castle removes retreat costs, offering intriguing possibilities and strategies for players.

Realities of Accessibility

Yet, amidst these mechanical shifts, the reality remains stark. Accessibility is key, and anecdotal evidence shows just how difficult it is for ordinary players to acquire cards. One heart-wrenching example involved a mother desperately hoping to find *Journey Together* packs for her daughter, all the while knowing the disappointment awaiting them due to rampant scalping.

Conclusion: A Disappointing Chapter

Ultimately, *Journey Together* feels less like a new chapter in the Pokémon TCG saga and more like a placeholder, failing to offer meaningful content and unique experiences that players crave. If current trends continue, this set may fade into obscurity alongside underperforming collections, leaving fans to yearn for greater excitement in future releases. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new player, the current state of the Pokémon TCG is undeniably frustrating, marked by anticipation but marred by scarcity.