The excitement for Pokémon TCG's upcoming release, Destined Rivals, is palpable, and I'm already preparing my collection space and mentally budgeting—knowing full well I'll likely splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I absolutely do not need. This set is bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing Team Rocket for another round of mischief, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. If you're a fan of dazzling collectibles or just love the thrill of holding powerful cardboard in your hands, this set is definitely for you.
The Pokémon Center website has already undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and has now opened preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, as listings should go live soon. You might need to refresh your browser as if it's Black Friday to snag those battle decks. Here’s all the information you need to secure your preorder this week.
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders
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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders
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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders
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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders
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Destined Rivals UK Preorders
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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?
The official release date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. On this date, all sealed products will begin shipping and hit store shelves, assuming any stock remains. The Pokémon Company has been addressing ongoing stock shortages, but it's still wise to act quickly. Between May 17 and 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 soon—perhaps with some 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. But we also say we'll go to the gym regularly, and we know how that goes. Here's what will be available 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
Expect special collection boxes with alternate art promos, likely featuring characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself you do.
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
There’s a high chance I’ll end up with multiple binders full of these, but a few cards have already secured a permanent place on my mental wishlist.
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse in every aspect. It delivers substantial damage, allows hand draw, and exudes the confident air of someone who always gets her perfect setup on turn one. This is the epitome of Champion energy, and I want three of them.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. Its ability accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly, and Shining Feather heals your entire team while dealing a solid 160 damage. It's outrageous, and I'm completely smitten.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is the epitome of drama. It won't attack unless you've built an entire Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it tosses energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extravagantly dramatic, and I respect that.
- Misty’s Psyduck is here to bring a smile to your face and potentially cost you a game in the most endearing way. It has an ability that lets you discard it to the top of your deck for... reasons. I don’t care. It’s perfect.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies villainous charm with an aggressive Dark-type build that excels in energy acceleration and being just disruptive enough to be effective. It's the dream card for a disruption deck, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.
