I had high hopes for Journey Together to make waves after Surging Sparks and Prismatic Evolutions delivered impressive results. It felt like we were building unstoppable momentum.
Unfortunately, this set stumbled out of the gate. Initially inflated prices have undergone a dramatic market correction that few collectors anticipated.
N's Reshiram - 167/159 (Journey Together Stamped)
$25.66 (was $13.40) Save 48% at TCG Player
Lillie's Clefairy ex 184/159
$212.68 (was $169.94) Save 20% at TCG Player
The fundamentals remain solid – stunning artwork, enjoyable pulls, nostalgic elements. But early valuations relied too heavily on hype that ultimately evaporated.
Collectors expecting another rapid appreciation got burned. Current buyers find themselves catching falling knives rather than riding an upward trend.
The smart play? Focus on cards that represent genuine value versus those still inflated by launch speculation.
Illustration Rares Market Analysis
Articuno initially soared to $55 in late March – understandable given its legendary status and striking visuals.
The 36% retreat to $35 still feels elevated. I've spotted near-mint copies around $18, which better reflects its true worth. Ideal for collectors wanting this majestic bird without paying the early premium.
Articuno - 161/159
$41.34 (was $25.62) Save 38% at TCG Player
Wailord represents a classic case of early hype – its massive aquatic presence sparked initial excitement, pushing prices to $60 briefly.
The 63.66% plunge to $22 seems overdone. I anticipate a modest rebound to $30 as panic sellers exit and true Wailord enthusiasts return.
For me, N's Reshiram stands out as the Illustration Rare dark horse. The premium artwork and character synergy justified its $39 debut.
At nearly 80% off, the current $17 price tag makes this a steal for collectors seeking chase-worthy cards without the premium.
Special Illustration & Hyper Rare Performance
Lillie’s Clefairy ex SIR briefly claimed the set's throne, hitting absurd $400 highs before reality set in.
The current $180 still feels rich. I wouldn't be surprised to see this settle around $150 as the market completes its correction.
Salamence ex 187/159
$141.13 (was $108.99) Save 23% at TCG Player
Salamence ex demonstrates Journey Together's initial pricing problems. Early buyers paid $250 for what's now a $106 card – still respectable for high-tier chase cards.
The superior artwork combined with Salamence's enduring popularity suggests this will stabilize around $100.
Full Arts: Reality Check
Iono’s Bellibolt ex highlights the disparity between early expectations and current realities. My personal pull initially felt like striking gold at $80 values.
The current $7-8 range reflects its true worth. Beautiful? Absolutely. Investment-worthy? Let's be realistic about Bellibolt's ceiling.
Lillie’s Clefairy ex followed an even stranger trajectory. The $110 pre-launch peak suggested collector confusion between rarity tiers.
At $17-19, it finally represents fair value for Lillie collectors and budget-conscious enthusiasts.
N's Zoroark ex 175/159
$17.27 (was $7.19) Save 58% at TCG Player
N's Zoroark ex maintains great visual appeal despite its price cut from $30 to $12. For collectors appreciating N's character value, this represents an excellent opportunity.
When we discuss Journey Together's market correction, these examples tell the complete story. Those "can't-miss" launch deals? They became cautionary tales as values tumbled.
