Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Preorders Live - Top Tips to Secure

Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans—the much-anticipated set, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need. This set is bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing the notorious Team Rocket for more villainous antics, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or just love the thrill of wielding cardboard power, this set is a must-have.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, don't worry—listings are expected to go live soon at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. It's time to start refreshing those pages like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here's everything you need to know to secure your preorder this week.

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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025—the official release date for Destined Rivals. That's when all sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, provided there's any stock left. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages, so fingers crossed. Between May 17 and 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 now—maybe even sweeten the deal with some snacks.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd love to say I'll just buy one item and call it a day. I'd also love to say I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all telling ourselves little white lies, and that's okay.

Here's what you can expect 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 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

I'm already envisioning multiple binders filled with these cards, but a few have already claimed a spot on my mental wishlist.

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse in every way. It deals massive damage, lets you draw cards, and exudes the confidence of someone who always gets their turn one setup right. 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 hitting for 160. It's ridiculous, 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 over-the-top, 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 the dream of any disruption deck, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.