Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans! The much-anticipated set, **Destined Rivals**, is on the horizon, and it's time to clear some shelf space and brace your wallets. This set not only brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon and reintroduces the mischievous Team Rocket, but it also boasts some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector chasing after those dazzling cards or a player eager to feel the power of new strategies, Destined Rivals is poised to be a game-changer.
The Pokémon Center website has been buzzing with "maintenance" activities, and preorders are now live. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers as they're expected to open their listings imminently. Prepare to hit refresh like it's Black Friday for those battle decks. Here's a comprehensive guide to secure 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?
Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, as that's when Destined Rivals will fully launch, with all sealed products shipping and hitting store shelves. While stock shortages have been a concern, The Pokémon Company is working to ensure availability. From May 17 to 25, select stores will host pre-release events, offering Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Reach out to your local league store now—perhaps with a friendly snack bribe—to secure your spot.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
Let's be honest, we're all telling ourselves we'll stick to one purchase, just like we tell ourselves we'll hit the gym regularly. But here's the reality of what you'll be tempted by 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 can also expect special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, likely showcasing 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 a detailed look at the expected card list, organized 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'm already envisioning multiple binders filled with these cards, but a few have particularly caught my eye:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card embodies Champion energy with its big damage and hand draw capabilities. I'm aiming to get three of these for that perfect setup.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A beautiful blend of utility and aesthetics, this card accelerates Fire Energy and heals your team while dishing out 160 damage. It's a must-have.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: This card is all about drama, requiring a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its power, but the payoff is spectacular. It's extravagantly designed, and I'm here for it.
- Misty’s Psyduck: The card's ability to discard itself to the top of your deck is quirky and fun. It's perfect for a laugh, even if it might cost you a game.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: With its Dark-type energy acceleration and disruptive abilities, this card is ideal for an aggressive, annoying strategy. It's a throwback to 2020 decks, and I plan to make it work again.