The excitement for Pokémon TCG's upcoming release, Destined Rivals, is palpable, and I’m already making room on my shelves while mentally preparing to splurge on that Elite Trainer Box I know I don’t need but will absolutely get. This set promises a thrilling return of Trainer’s Pokémon, a fresh round of Team Rocket antics, and some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. Whether you're a collector of shiny cards or just thrive on the thrill of strategic battles, this set is set to be a game-changer.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and now has preorders available. If that option doesn’t work out, expect listings to pop up any moment on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. It’s time to hit refresh like it’s Black Friday for those coveted 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: the full release of Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. That’s when all the sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, assuming any remain. The Pokémon Company has been working hard to address ongoing stock shortages. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. It’s wise to reach out to your local league store now to secure a spot—maybe sweeten the deal with some snacks.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
Let's be honest, I'll probably end up with more than one item. We all have our little self-deceptions, right?
Here’s the lineup for 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
It’s highly likely we’ll see special collection boxes with alternate art promos, especially featuring characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might convince yourself you don't need them, but let's face it, you'll want them.
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 imagining my collection expanding with these standout cards from Destined Rivals:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card embodies Champion energy with its ability to deal massive damage and draw cards. It’s the perfect blend of power and strategy, and I’m aiming to get three.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A beautiful fusion of utility and flair, it speeds up Fire Energy attachment and heals your team while delivering a hefty 160 damage. It’s a must-have.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding, this card requires a full Rocket-themed deck to shine, but when it does, it’s a force to be reckoned with. Its extravagance is something I truly admire.
- Misty’s Psyduck: A card that’s as entertaining as it is useful, allowing you to discard it to the top of your deck. It’s quirky, and I love it.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Perfect for a disruption deck, it thrives on energy acceleration and can be quite the nuisance. I’m ready to bring back the 2020 vibes with this one.