The Pokémon Trading Card Game's upcoming set, Destined Rivals, is nearly upon us, and I'm already rearranging my shelves and mentally preparing for the financial impact of an Elite Trainer Box I'll likely splurge on. This set promises a thrilling return of Trainer's Pokémon, a fresh bout with Team Rocket, and some of the most visually stunning card art we've seen in a while. If you're passionate about collecting rare cards or simply revel in the thrill of a new deck, this set is set to be a must-have.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some mysterious "maintenance" and has now opened up preorders. If you can't secure your set from there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers, where listings should go live soon. It's time to hit refresh like it's Black Friday for those coveted battle decks. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you lock in your preorder this week.
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders
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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy 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
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 launch date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. That's when all sealed products will be shipped and available on shelves, provided there's stock left. 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. It's wise to check with your local league store now if you're interested in participating. And by "check," I mean perhaps sweetening the deal with some snacks.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
I'd like to think I'll just buy one item and call it a day. I also like to think 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, especially 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
There's a high chance I'll end up with multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already secured a spot on my mental wishlist:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse in every sense. It deals big damage, allows for hand draw, and exudes the confidence of someone who always gets their turn one setup. This is the epitome of Champion energy, and I want three.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. Its ability accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly, and Shining Feather heals your entire team while dealing 160 damage. It's absurd, and I'm completely enamored.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it tosses energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extravagantly extra, and I respect that.
- Misty’s Psyduck is here to make you laugh and then probably lose a game in the most endearing way possible. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck, for... reasons. I don't care. It's perfect.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex brings the villainous vibes with an aggressive Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and being just annoying enough to work. It's a disruption deck's dream, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.
