The excitement is building for Pokémon TCG's upcoming set, Destined Rivals, and I'm already planning my display and mentally preparing for the inevitable splurge on an Elite Trainer Box I probably don't need. This set is bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing Team Rocket for more mischievous fun, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or simply revel in the thrill of wielding powerful cardboard, this set is poised to captivate you.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now open for preorders. Should that option not work out (which can happen), keep an eye out for listings to go live at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. It's time to start refreshing your browser tabs like it's Black Friday for these coveted battle decks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to securing 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?
Mark your calendars for the official release date of May 30, 2025. That’s when all sealed products will be shipped and available in stores, if any are left. The Pokémon Company has been actively addressing stock shortages. Pre-release events, featuring Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments, will take place between May 17 and 25 at select stores. It might be wise to connect with your local league store soon, perhaps with a little incentive like snacks to secure your spot.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
Let's be honest, the idea of limiting ourselves to just one item is as likely as sticking to a gym schedule. But here's what you can look forward to when Destined Rivals hits the shelves:
- 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
There's also a high chance of seeing special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You'll convince yourself you need them, and that's perfectly okay.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Here's 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 claimed spots on my must-have list:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is the epitome of power. It deals massive damage, allows for hand draw, and exudes the confidence of someone who always gets their perfect start. This card screams Champion energy, and I'm aiming to collect three.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. Its ability accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly, and Shining Feather not only heals your team but also delivers a solid 160 damage. It's both absurd and addictive.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built a complete Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it manipulates energy like a caffeinated Gengar. It's extra, and I'm here for it.
- Misty’s Psyduck is here to amuse and, perhaps, lead you to a charming defeat. Its ability lets you shuffle it to the top of your deck for... reasons. It's endearing, and I'm all in.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies villainous charm with its aggressive Dark-type strategy, thriving on energy acceleration and being just disruptive enough to be effective. It's a dream for any disruption deck, and I plan to run it as if it's 2020 again.
