The Pokémon TCG's upcoming release, Destined Rivals, is generating buzz, and I’m already setting aside space on my shelf while mentally preparing to resist the allure of yet another Elite Trainer Box. This set not only reintroduces Trainer's Pokémon and brings back Team Rocket for more villainous antics, but it also features some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. If you’re a fan of dazzling collectibles or simply revel in the thrill of wielding cardboard power, Destined Rivals is set to captivate you.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, as listings are expected to go live soon. It’s time to start refreshing those pages like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here’s everything you need to know to secure your preorder this week.
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders
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Destined Rivals UK Preorders
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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?
The official release date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. That's when you can expect all sealed products to ship and appear on store shelves, provided there’s stock available. The Pokémon Company seems to be addressing ongoing stock shortages, but it's still wise to be prepared. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events, featuring Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Check with your local league store now if you're interested, and maybe consider bringing some snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
Let’s be honest, I might say I’ll just buy one item and be done. But we all know that’s a fantasy. Here's the lineup of products launching with 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're also likely to see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but you'll convince yourself otherwise.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Here’s the anticipated card list organized 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 binders full of these cards, but a few have made it onto my must-have list:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card is a powerhouse, dealing big damage while allowing you to draw cards, embodying the essence of a true Champion. I’m aiming to get three.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A blend of utility and beauty, this card accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly and heals your team while dealing substantial damage. It’s a card I’m already obsessed with.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding, this card only attacks if you’ve built a Rocket-themed deck around it, but the payoff is spectacular energy manipulation. Its flair is something I deeply appreciate.
- Misty’s Psyduck: This card brings humor to the game, with an ability to discard it to the top of your deck for... well, reasons. It’s endearing and I’m here for it.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: With its aggressive Dark-type strategy and energy acceleration, this card is perfect for a disruption deck. I plan to relive the glory days of 2020 with it.
