The excitement is palpable as Pokémon TCG's next big release, Destined Rivals, approaches, and I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I absolutely don't need but will definitely buy. This set is a treasure trove for fans, bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing the notorious Team Rocket, and showcasing 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 strategic gameplay, Destined Rivals is set to captivate you.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, don't worry—listings are expected to go live soon at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. Get ready to refresh those pages like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here's your 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, the official release date for Destined Rivals. That's when all sealed products will be shipped and available on shelves, provided there's any stock left. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages, so fingers crossed. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're eager to participate, 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, I'll probably end up buying more than I planned. It's like promising to hit the gym three times a week—we all know it's a stretch, but it's okay to dream.
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
There's also a high chance we'll 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 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 must-have list.
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse. It deals massive damage, lets you draw cards, and exudes the confidence of a champion who always gets her setup right on the first turn. 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 effortlessly, and Shining Feather not only heals your entire team but also hits for 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm completely enamored.
- 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 extravagantly over-the-top, and I respect that.
- Misty’s Psyduck is here to bring joy and perhaps a few losses in the most endearing way. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck for... well, reasons. I don't care. It's perfect.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies villainous charm with an aggressive Dark-type strategy that thrives on energy acceleration and being just disruptive enough to be effective. It's the dream of any disruption deck, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.
