Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Preorders Live

The excitement for Pokémon TCG's upcoming set, Destined Rivals, is palpable, and I’m not just talking about the space I'm clearing on my shelf—I'm also mentally preparing to splurge on that Elite Trainer Box I absolutely don't need but will absolutely buy. 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. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or simply revel in the thrill of cardboard power, Destined Rivals is a must-have.

The Pokémon Center website has been in and out of "maintenance," and preorders are now live. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers, as listings could go live at any moment. It's time to refresh your browsers like it's Black Friday for those 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 when all sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, provided there are any left. The Pokémon Company has been addressing ongoing stock issues, so fingers crossed. From May 17 to 25, pre-release events will take place at select stores, offering Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're keen, reach out to your local league store now—perhaps with a few snacks as a friendly gesture.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

Let's be honest, we're all telling ourselves we'll just get one item and be done. That's as believable as committing to the gym three times a week. 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

Additionally, special collection boxes with alternate art promos featuring characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie are likely to be released. You don't need them, but you'll convince yourself otherwise.

Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals

Here’s a comprehensive list of the expected cards, categorized 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'll probably end up with multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already made it onto my mental wishlist.

Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse with high damage output, hand draw capabilities, and the confidence of a champion. It's a must-have, and I want three.
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with elegance, accelerating Fire Energy and healing your team while delivering 160 damage. It's a game-changer, and I'm already in love.
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama, requiring a full Rocket-themed deck to activate its attack. It's flamboyant, energy-manipulative, and utterly captivating.
Misty’s Psyduck brings humor and unpredictability to the table with an ability that lets you discard it to the top of your deck. It's quirky, and I'm here for it.
Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies villainy with an aggressive Dark-type strategy that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption. It's a throwback to 2020, and I'm ready to run it all over again.