The Pokémon TCG's upcoming release, Destined Rivals, is stirring up excitement among fans, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves while trying to convince myself that I won't splurge on yet another Elite Trainer Box. This set reintroduces the beloved Trainer's Pokémon, brings back Team Rocket for more mischievous antics, and boasts some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or simply revel in the thrill of a powerful deck, Destined Rivals is poised to captivate you.
The Pokémon Center website recently underwent some "mysterious" maintenance and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, keep your eyes peeled for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. You might need to refresh your browser like it's Black Friday to snag those 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
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 officially hits the shelves. All sealed products will be shipped on this date, though availability might be limited due to ongoing stock issues. The Pokémon Company is working to address these shortages. From May 17 to 25, select stores will host pre-release events, featuring Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. It’s wise to check with your local league store soon—perhaps with a little snack bribery—to secure your spot.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
I'd love to say I'll stick to just one item, 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 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 special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don’t need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself otherwise.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Here’s a rundown of the 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'll likely end up with multiple binders filled with these cards, but a few have already secured a permanent spot on my wishlist:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex - A powerhouse card that embodies Champion energy with its ability to deal big damage and draw cards. I need three of these.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex - A blend of utility and flair, accelerating Fire Energy and healing your team while dealing substantial damage. It's a must-have for me.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex - Dramatic and demanding, requiring a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its energy-throwing potential. I respect its extra flair.
- Misty’s Psyduck - A card that's as amusing as it is strategically useful, with an ability to discard it to the top of your deck. It’s perfect in its quirkiness.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex - A villainous card that fuels an aggressive Dark-type deck with energy acceleration and disruption. I plan to run it like it's 2020 again.
