The Pokémon TCG's upcoming release, Destined Rivals, is generating excitement among fans, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves while trying to convince myself I won't splurge on yet another Elite Trainer Box. This set not only brings back Trainer's Pokémon and reintroduces the mischievous Team Rocket, but also showcases some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or simply revel in the thrill of the game, Destined Rivals is set to captivate your interest.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers, where 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 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?
The official release date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. This is when all sealed products will be shipped and available on shelves, provided there's stock left. The Pokémon Company has been addressing ongoing supply issues. Pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments will take place between May 17 and 25 at select stores. If you're keen on participating, it's advisable to reach out to your local league store soon—perhaps with a few snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
While I'd like to think I'll only purchase one item, we all know that's wishful thinking. 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
We're also likely to see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos 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'm already envisioning multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already caught my attention and secured a spot on my mental wishlist:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is the epitome of power and strategic prowess. It offers substantial damage output, card draw capabilities, and embodies the quintessential Champion spirit. I'm aiming to get three of these.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with a dazzling aesthetic. Its ability to accelerate Fire Energy is unmatched, while Shining Feather not only heals your entire team but also packs a punch with 160 damage. It's simply breathtaking, and I'm hooked.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama and exclusivity. It won't attack unless you've constructed a full Rocket-themed deck around it, but once it does, it throws energy around like a hyper Gengar. Its flair is something I can't help but admire.
- Misty’s Psyduck is here to add humor and perhaps a few unexpected losses. Its ability to discard itself to the top of your deck for... well, reasons, is endearing. It's perfect in its own quirky way.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex brings the villainous charm with a potent Dark-type strategy that relies on energy acceleration and disruption. It's the kind of card that brings back memories of 2020's competitive scene, and I plan to leverage it to its full potential.