The Pokémon TCG's upcoming set, *Destined Rivals*, is stirring up excitement among fans, and I'm already making room on my shelf while trying to convince myself that splurging on an Elite Trainer Box is a wise decision. This set is a thrilling mix of nostalgia and innovation, bringing back Trainer's Pokémon and reintroducing Team Rocket for more villainous antics. The card art in this set is nothing short of stunning, making it a must-have for collectors and players who revel in the power of a well-crafted deck.
Preorders for *Destined Rivals* are now live following some intriguing "maintenance" on the Pokémon Center website. If you miss out on the Pokémon Center, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers, where listings are expected to appear any moment. Here's how you can secure 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, as that's the official launch date for *Destined Rivals*. All sealed products will start shipping and hitting store shelves on this day, provided stock lasts. The Pokémon Company seems to be addressing ongoing stock issues, so fingers crossed. From May 17 to 25, select stores will host pre-release events, offering Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Reach out to your local league store now to get involved—perhaps with a few snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
While I'm trying to convince myself I'll only buy one item, let's be honest—we'll probably end up with a collection. 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
Special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie are also likely to be available. You don't need them, but you'll definitely want them.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Here's the full expected card list based on the 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 multiple binders filled with these gems, but a few cards have caught my attention and secured a spot on my wishlist:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse with big damage and hand draw capabilities, exuding the confidence of a true Champion. I need three of these.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility and elegance, accelerating Fire Energy and healing your team while dealing 160 damage. It's a must-have.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex brings drama to the table, requiring a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its chaotic energy manipulation. It's extra, and I'm here for it.
- Misty’s Psyduck is a delightful addition that can make you laugh and potentially lose a game in the most endearing way. Its ability to discard and return to the top of your deck is quirky and perfect.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies the villainous spirit with its aggressive Dark-type strategy, thriving on energy acceleration and disruption. It's a throwback to 2020's meta, and I'm ready to dive back in.
