The excitement is palpable as the next big release for the Pokémon TCG, Destined Rivals, approaches. I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally preparing my wallet for that Elite Trainer Box I'll probably end up buying. This set is set to reintroduce Trainer's Pokémon, bring back Team Rocket for more mischief, and showcase some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. Whether you're a fan of dazzling collectibles or simply revel in the thrill of wielding cardboard power, Destined Rivals is sure to captivate you.
The Pokémon Center website recently underwent some intriguing "maintenance" and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out there (though it's unlikely), keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. You might find yourself refreshing those pages as if it were Black Friday for battle decks. Here's your 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?
Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, as that's the official launch date for Destined Rivals. That's when all sealed products will begin shipping and hit store shelves, provided they haven't sold out already. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages, but it's still wise to act fast. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Reach out to your local league store now to secure your spot—perhaps with a friendly snack bribe.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
I'd love to tell myself I'll stick to just one item, but let's be honest—we're all setting ourselves up for a bit of a splurge, and that's okay. Here's what you can expect to find 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
There's also a good chance we'll see special collection boxes with alternate art promos, especially featuring 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 a look at the full expected card list, categorized 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 can see myself filling multiple binders with these cards, but a few have already earned a spot on my mental wishlist:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is the epitome of power and strategy. With significant damage output, card draw capabilities, and the sheer confidence of a Champion, it's a must-have. I want three.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility and flair. Its ability to accelerate Fire Energy and heal the team while dealing 160 damage is nothing short of brilliant. I'm already obsessed.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex brings drama to the table. It only attacks if you've built an entire Rocket-themed deck around it, but once activated, it's a powerhouse. It's extra, and I respect that.
- Misty’s Psyduck is here to add some humor to your deck. Its ability to discard itself to the top of your deck is quirky, yet endearing. It's perfect, and I don't care about the strategic reasons.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies villainous charm with its aggressive Dark-type strategy. It thrives on energy acceleration and disruption, making it a dream for any deck looking to shake things up. I'm planning to run it like it's 2020 all over again.
