The highly anticipated Pokémon TCG set, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon, and I'm already making room on my shelves while mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need. This exciting set reintroduces Trainer's Pokémon, brings back the notorious Team Rocket for more mischief, and boasts some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a long time. Whether you're a fan of dazzling collectibles or simply love the thrill of wielding cardboard power, Destined Rivals is set to captivate you.
The Pokémon Center website recently underwent some "mysterious" maintenance and has now opened preorders. If you miss out on that, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, which are expected to go live any moment. It's time to refresh those pages like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here's all you need to know to secure your preorder this week.
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US 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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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?
The official launch date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. On this day, all sealed products will be shipped and available in stores, provided they're not already sold out. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages, but it's wise to act quickly. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events featuring Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're interested, now's the time to check with your local league store—and maybe bring some snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
I'd like to think I'll stick to buying just one item, much like I'd like to believe I'll hit the gym three times a week. But let's be honest, we're all fooling ourselves a bit, and that's okay.
Here's the lineup of products launching with Destined Rivals:
- 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 to see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially showcasing 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 anticipated 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 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: This card screams power, with high damage output, hand draw capabilities, and the confident air of a Champion who always nails her setup. It's a card I need three of.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and beauty, this card accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly and heals your entire team while dealing a hefty 160 damage. It's both practical and mesmerizing.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: A dramatic card that demands a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its potential, throwing energy around like it's nothing. It's extra, and I'm here for it.
- Misty’s Psyduck: This card is here for the laughs, with an ability that lets you shuffle it back to the top of your deck. It's delightfully quirky and utterly perfect.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: This card brings the villainous flair with an aggressive Dark-type strategy that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption. It's a dream for any deck looking to throw opponents off their game, and I plan to use it just like the good old days of 2020.
