The excitement is building as Pokémon TCG's latest set, Destined Rivals, approaches its release date, and I'm already clearing space on my shelf and mentally preparing not to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need. This set is bringing back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing Team Rocket for more mischievous antics, and featuring some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or simply enjoy the thrill of strategic gameplay, Destined Rivals is set to deliver.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out there, don't worry—retailers like Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and others are expected to launch their listings soon. It's time to start refreshing those pages as if it were Black Friday for battle decks. Here's how you can secure your preorder this week.
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders
- See it at Amazon
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders
- See it at Best Buy
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders
- See it at Walmart
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders
- See it at Target
Destined Rivals UK Preorders
- Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders
- Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Argos Preorders
- Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Preorders
- Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Magic Madhouse Preorders
When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?
The official launch date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. This is when all sealed products will begin shipping and appear on store shelves, provided there are any left in stock. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages. From May 17 to May 25, selected stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're interested, now is the time to contact your local league store—perhaps with a friendly offering of snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
I'd like to think I'll just purchase one item and call it a day. Similarly, I'd like to believe I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all telling ourselves tales, and that's okay.
Here's a list of products that will be available at the launch of Destined Rivals:
- Booster Packs
- Booster Boxes (36 packs)
- Elite Trainer Box
- Pokémon Center Exclusive Elite Trainer Box
- Booster Bundle (6 packs)
- Triple-pack blisters
- Build & Battle Box
- Build & Battle Stadium
We can also expect special collection boxes with alternate art promos, especially featuring characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself otherwise.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Below is the full expected card list, categorized by their Japanese set origins.
Heat Wave Arena
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex
- Cynthia’s Roserade
- Misty’s Psyduck, Staryu, Starmie, Magikarp, Gyarados, Lapras
- Ethan’s Cyndaquil, Quilava, Typhlosion
- Ethan’s Slugma, Magcargo
- Hydrapple line
- Yanmega ex
- Zeraora, Electivire ex, Rotom, Manectric
- Steven’s Metang (alt print)
- Arven’s Mabostiff ex
- Marnie’s Impidimp (alt print)
- Applin, Dipplin
- Ogerpon (Teal Mask, Hearthflame Mask, Wellspring Mask, Cornerstone Mask variants)
- Cynthia’s Milotic, Feebas
- Buizel, Floatzel, Dondozo ex
- Dwebble, Crustle
- Shaymin
- Ponyta, Rapidash
- Arven’s Toedscool, Toedscruel
- Arven’s Maschiff, Skwovet, Greedent
- Mudbray, Mudsdale
- Electabuzz
- Ethan’s Pinsir, Ethan’s Pichu
- Trainer Cards: Judge, Ethan’s Adventure, Cynthia’s Power Weight, Sacred Ash, MC’s Hype Up, Spikemuth Gym
The Glory of Team Rocket
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
- Team Rocket’s Spidops
- Team Rocket’s Meowth, Persian ex
- Team Rocket’s Porygon, Porygon2, Porygon-Z
- Team Rocket’s Tarountula
- Trainer Cards: Team Rocket’s Giovanni, Archer, Ariana, Receiver
- Special Energy: Team Rocket Energy
Steven’s Starter Deck
- Steven’s Metagross ex
- Steven’s Skarmory, Beldum, Metang
- Steven’s Carbink
- Steven’s Claydol, Baltoy
- Trainer Card: Granite Cave
Marnie’s Starter Deck
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex
- Marnie’s Impidimp, Morgrem, Liepard, Scrafty
- Marnie’s Purrloin, Scraggy
- Trainer Cards: Energy Recycler (reprint), Spikemuth Gym
Destined Origins Cards I’ve Got My Eye On
I'm already envisioning multiple binders filled with these cards, but a few have already made it onto my must-have list.
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: A powerhouse card with significant damage output and hand draw capabilities, exuding the confidence of a true Champion. I want three of these.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A card that combines utility with a dazzling aesthetic. Its ability to accelerate Fire Energy and heal your team while dealing 160 damage is simply stunning. I'm obsessed.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding, this card only attacks when you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it. Its energy manipulation is chaotic and theatrical, and I appreciate the flair.
- Misty’s Psyduck: Here for comic relief, this card lets you discard it to the top of your deck for strategic reasons, or just because. It's adorable, and I'm here for it.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Perfect for a disruptive Dark-type deck, this card thrives on energy acceleration and tactical annoyance. It's a nod to the old-school disruption decks, and I'm ready to bring it back into play.
