The Pokémon TCG's highly anticipated set, Destined Rivals, is just around the corner, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need. This set is a thrilling return to Trainer's Pokémon, reintroduces the infamous Team Rocket for more mischief, and boasts some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or you revel in the thrill of cardboard power, Destined Rivals is poised to captivate you.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, don't worry—keep your eyes peeled for listings that will soon appear at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. It's time to channel your inner Black Friday shopper and refresh those pages for those coveted battle decks. Here’s your ultimate guide to securing your preorder this week.
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders
1See it at Amazon
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders
3See it at Best Buy
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders
2See it at Walmart
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders
1See 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 May 30, 2025, when Destined Rivals will fully launch. That's when all sealed products will begin shipping and hit store shelves, though availability might be limited due to ongoing stock challenges. The Pokémon Company is addressing these issues, but it's still wise to act quickly. 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, reach out to your local league store now—perhaps with a few snacks as an incentive.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
I'd like to think I'll restrain myself to just one purchase, but let's be honest, that's as likely as me hitting the gym three times a week. Here's what you can expect when Destined Rivals hits the market:
- 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'll also likely see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll certainly find a way to justify the purchase.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Below is the full list of expected cards 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 can already see myself filling multiple binders with these cards, but a few have already claimed spots on my mental wishlist:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse that combines high damage with strategic hand draw, exuding Champion-level confidence. It's a must-have, and I’m aiming for three copies.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex merges utility with elegance, accelerating Fire Energy and healing your entire team while dishing out 160 damage. It's almost too good, and I'm completely smitten.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex brings the drama, demanding a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its potential. Its energy manipulation is both chaotic and captivating, and I'm here for it.
- Misty’s Psyduck is adorably quirky, with an ability that lets you discard it to the top of your deck for strategic shenanigans. It's silly, and I love it.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies villainous charm with its aggressive Dark-type playstyle, perfect for disrupting opponents and bringing back the thrill of 2020's meta. I'm ready to dive back in and dominate.
