We had high hopes for Journey Together after the success of Surging Sparks and Prismatic Evolutions. However, the set stumbled right out of the gate with inflated prices that couldn't sustain the initial hype, leading to a sharp market correction.
### N's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)
2 $25.66 save 48% $13.40 at TCG Player
### Lillie's Clefairy ex 184/159
4 $212.68 save 20% $169.94 at TCG Player
### Salamence ex 187/159
2 $141.13 save 23% $108.99 at TCG Player
### N's Zoroark ex 185/159
6 $111.62 save 30% $77.99 at TCG Player
### Articuno - 161/159
0 $41.34 save 38% $25.62 at TCG Player
### Wailord 162/159
2 $37.35 save 34% $24.80 at TCG Player
### N's Reshiram 167/159
1 $27.85 save 55% $12.50 at TCG Player
### Iono's Bellibolt ex 172/159
1 $8.94 save 56% $3.90 at TCG Player
### Lillie's Clefairy ex 173/159
0 $27.12 save 63% $10.00 at TCG Player
### N's Zoroark ex 175/159
6 $17.27 save 58% $7.19 at TCG Player
### Hop's Zacian ex 176/159
2 $11.32 save 45% $6.25 at TCG Player
### Volcanion ex 182/159
2 $43.11 save 7% $40.00 at TCG Player
### Iono's Bellibolt ex 183/159
3 $101.91 save 34% $66.93 at TCG Player
### Hop's Zacian ex 186/159
3 $98.50 save 40% $58.61 at TCG Player
Despite the price drops, Journey Together remains a strong set with excellent art, fun pulls, and nostalgic elements. However, the initial pricing was driven by hype that didn't last. Collectors expected another surge in value, but that didn't materialize. If you're buying now, you're getting cards on a downward trend rather than an upward one.
Approach your purchases wisely, focusing on what's genuinely worth picking up, and avoid cards still riding on the fumes of their launch-day excitement.
Illustration Rares
Articuno started strong, reaching $55 in late March due to its legendary status and appealing artwork. It's since dropped by 36% to around $35, which might still be a bit high. I've seen near-mint listings at $18.69, which feels more appropriate. If you're looking for a beautiful Articuno without the early adopter tax, now's a good time to buy.
### Maractus - 160/159
1 $3.98 save 12% $3.52 at TCG Player### Articuno - 161/159
0 $41.34 save 38% $25.62 at TCG Player### Wailord 162/159
2 $37.35 save 34% $24.80 at TCG Player
### Iono's Kilowattrel 163/159
1 $11.18 save 47% $5.90 at TCG Player
### Lillie's Ribombee 164/159
3 $10.20 save 22% $8.00 at TCG Player
### Swinub 165/159
3 $15.06 save 77% $3.50 at TCG Player
### Lycanroc 166/159
2 $6.99 save 46% $3.79 at TCG Player### N's Reshiram 167/159
1 $27.85 save 55% $12.50 at TCG Player### N's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)
2 $25.66 save 48% $13.40 at TCG Player
### Furret 168/159
4 $33.00 save 73% $8.79 at TCG Player
### Noibat 169/159
2 $20.00 save 75% $5.10 at TCG Player
### Hop's Wooloo 170/159
5 $19.99 save 77% $4.54 at TCG Player
Wailord, another hyped Illustration Rare, quickly rose to $60 at the end of March due to its unique appeal. It's since fallen by 63.66% to a market value of about $22.49, with some listings as low as $14.55. I expect a slight rebound to around $30 once the market stabilizes and Wailord fans return.
My top pick among Illustration Rares is N's Reshiram, which boasts exceptional artwork and meaningful character pairing. It started at $39.43 and has now dropped to around $17.44, with the Journey Together stamped variant even lower at $14. This represents a 79.51% drop, making it an excellent value for a chase card.
Special Illustration Rare And Hyper Rares
IGN Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company
Lillie's Clefairy ex SIR was initially seen as the set's highlight, peaking at $400. It's now at around $180, which I believe is still overpriced. I anticipate it settling at about $150, reflecting a more realistic value for its beauty.
### Volcanion ex 182/159
2 $43.11 save 7% $40.00 at TCG Player### Iono's Bellibolt ex 183/159
3 $101.91 save 34% $66.93 at TCG Player### Lillie's Clefairy ex 184/159
4 $212.68 save 20% $169.94 at TCG Player### N's Zoroark ex 185/159
6 $111.62 save 30% $77.99 at TCG Player### Hop's Zacian ex 186/159
3 $98.50 save 40% $58.61 at TCG Player### Salamence ex 187/159
2 $141.13 save 23% $108.99 at TCG Player
### Iono's Bellibolt ex 188/159
0 $30.99 save 19% $24.99 at TCG Player
### N's Zoroark ex 189/159
1 $44.93 save 26% $33.47 at TCG Player
### Spiky Energy 190/159
1 $9.54 save 13% $8.32 at TCG Player
I thought Iono's Bellibolt ex SIR would be the set's standout, but it's currently hovering around $80. This seems stable, and I don't expect it to plummet like other hyped cards. If you like it, now's a good time to buy; just don't expect a significant increase in value.
Salamence ex SIR exemplifies the pricing issues with Journey Together. It reached $250 at launch but has now settled at about $106. I believe it will stabilize around $100, a more reasonable price for a high-tier chase card with strong art and enduring appeal.
Full Arts
Iono's Bellibolt ex is my favorite full art, though its value has dropped from $80 at launch to the $7–$8 range. It's a great-looking card, but it's not going to reach Supporter-tier prices. If you like it, it's a solid buy at its current price.
### Volcanion ex 171/159
0 $2.49 save 44% $1.40 at TCG Player### Iono's Bellibolt ex 172/159
1 $8.94 save 56% $3.90 at TCG Player### Lillie's Clefairy ex 173/159
0 $27.12 save 63% $10.00 at TCG Player
### Mamoswine ex 174/159
1 $3.70 save 45% $2.05 at TCG Player### N's Zoroark ex 175/159
6 $17.27 save 58% $7.19 at TCG Player### Hop's Zacian ex 176/159
2 $11.32 save 45% $6.25 at TCG Player
### Salamence ex 177/159
1 $12.93 save 71% $3.75 at TCG Player
### Dudunsparce ex 178/159
1 $5.67 save 13% $4.95 at TCG Player
### Brock's Scouting 179/159
1 $8.61 save 48% $4.50 at TCG Player
### Iris's Fighting Spirit 180/159
2 $5.75 save 62% $2.17 at TCG Player
### Ruffian 181/159
0 $1.87 save 47% $1.00 at TCG Player
Lillie's Clefairy ex initially soared past $110 before settling at $17–$19. This seems like a fair price, especially for fans of Lillie or Clefairy.
N's Zoroark ex began at around $30 and has now dropped to $12. It's a fantastic-looking card with collector appeal, making it a good value at its current price.
When I mention that Journey Together prices are crashing, this is the reality. The "can't-miss deals" I highlighted at launch were not because the cards were underpriced, but because they were poised for a significant drop.
For more insights on where to find Pokémon cards, check out my comprehensive guide. Stay updated with the latest market trends in our weekly crashers and climbers article. Also, don't miss the Pokémon TCG full Release Schedule for this year. Buying singles remains the most cost-effective way to collect, but remember, you don't have to "Catch 'Em All!"
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