Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans! The highly anticipated set, **Destined Rivals**, is on the horizon, and I'm already setting aside space on my shelf and mentally preparing for the inevitable splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I probably don't need but definitely want. This set promises to reignite the excitement with the return of Trainer's Pokémon, a fresh take on Team Rocket's mischief, and some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or a player fueled by the thrill of strategic gameplay, Destined Rivals is set to deliver.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance, and preorders are now live. If you miss out on the Pokémon Center's offerings, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. You might find yourself refreshing pages like it's Black Friday for those coveted 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?
Mark your calendars for the full release on **May 30, 2025**. That's when you can expect sealed products to ship and hit the shelves, provided there's any stock left. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing shortages, but it's wise to act fast. Between May 17 and 25, select 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 to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
Let's be honest, we all tell ourselves we'll just buy one item and be done. It's a comforting lie, much like promising to hit the gym three times a week. Here's what you can expect when Destined Rivals launches:
- 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 might not need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself otherwise.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Here's the full expected card list by Japanese set origin:
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 a spot on my mental wishlist:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse. It deals big damage, lets you draw cards, and exudes the confidence of someone who always gets their turn one setup right. It's the epitome of Champion energy, and I want three.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. Its ability speeds up Fire Energy attachment, and Shining Feather heals your entire team while hitting for 160. It's ridiculous, and I'm all in.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it tosses energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extra, and I respect that.
- Misty’s Psyduck is here to make you laugh and then probably lose a game in the most endearing way. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck, for... reasons. I don't care. It's perfect.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex brings the villainous vibes with an aggressive Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and being just annoying enough to work. It's a disruption deck's dream, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.
