Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans, because the highly anticipated Destined Rivals set is just around the corner. I'm already clearing space on my shelf and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I absolutely do not need. This set is bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing Team Rocket for more villainous antics, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. If you're a fan of eye-catching collectibles or simply crave the thrill of cardboard power, Destined Rivals is a must-have.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out on that (which, let's be honest, can happen), keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. It's going to feel like Black Friday all over again as you refresh those pages to snag your battle decks. Here's your 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, the official launch date for Destined Rivals. That's when all sealed products will start shipping and hitting store shelves—assuming any are left, as The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages. From May 17 to 25, select 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 ASAP—maybe with some snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
We all tell ourselves we'll just buy one item and call it a day. I also tell myself I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all in denial, and that's okay.
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
There's also a high chance we'll see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but you'll convince yourself otherwise.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Here’s a rundown of the full expected card list, grouped 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 made it onto my must-have list:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card is a powerhouse, delivering big damage and drawing cards with the confidence of a true Champion. I need three of these to feel complete.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and flair, this card accelerates Fire Energy and heals your team while dealing 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm here for it.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: This card is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built an entire Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it's a spectacle. I respect the extra-ness.
- Misty’s Psyduck: This card is both hilarious and strategically intriguing. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck for... reasons. I love it regardless.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: This card brings the villainous energy with a Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption. I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.
