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

The excitement is palpable as Pokémon TCG's next major release, Destined Rivals, approaches. I'm already clearing space on my shelf and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need but absolutely must have. This set is bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing the notorious Team Rocket, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or just love the thrill of wielding cardboard power, Destined Rivals is set to captivate you.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now open for preorders. If you miss out on that, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, as they are expected to go live soon. It's time to hit refresh like it's Black Friday for those coveted 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 the official launch date of May 30, 2025. That's when all sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, provided there are any left. The Pokémon Company has been addressing ongoing stock shortages, so fingers crossed. From May 17 to 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 your spot—perhaps with a friendly offering of snacks.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd like to believe I'll just pick up one item and call it a day. I'd also like to believe I'll stick to my gym routine three times a week. We're all fooling ourselves a bit, but it's all part of the fun.

Here's what you can look forward to 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

We're also likely to see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, possibly spotlighting characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll find a way to justify it.

Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals

Here's a comprehensive list of expected cards based on 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

There's a high chance I'll end up with multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already claimed a spot on my must-have list:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse. It delivers big damage, allows hand draw, and exudes the confidence of a champion who always gets her setup right on the first turn. It's the epitome of Champion energy, and I need three of these.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with a dazzling aesthetic. Its ability to accelerate Fire Energy is impressive, and Shining Feather not only heals your entire team but also packs a punch with 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm all in.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is sheer theatricality. It won't attack unless you've built a Rocket-themed deck around it, but once it does, it tosses energy around like a hyperactive Gengar. Its extravagance is something I admire.
• Misty’s Psyduck is here to bring humor and perhaps cost you a game in the most endearing way. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck, for... well, reasons. I don't care about the logic; it's perfect.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies villainous charm with an aggressive Dark-type strategy that thrives on energy acceleration and being just irritating enough to be effective. It's the dream card for a disruption deck, and I plan to run it as if it were still 2020.