"Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Preorders Live

The excitement is palpable as the next big release for the Pokémon TCG, Destined Rivals, approaches. I'm already clearing space on my shelf and mentally preparing not to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need. 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 long time. If you're into collecting or simply love the thrill of opening new packs, this set is for you.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" 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. It's going to be like Black Friday for battle decks, so be ready to refresh those pages. Here's everything you need to know 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?

The official launch date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. This is when all sealed products will be shipped and available on shelves, provided they aren't sold out. The Pokémon Company has been addressing ongoing stock shortages, but it's still wise to act fast. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Make sure to check with your local league store and perhaps bring some snacks to sweeten the deal.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I tell myself I'll just buy one item and be satisfied. I also tell myself I'll hit the gym three times a week. We all know we're kidding ourselves, 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 with characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself that you do.

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 likely to end up with multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already claimed a spot on my mental wishlist.

Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse. With high damage output, card draw, and that smug look of a champion who always gets her setup right on the first turn. It's pure Champion energy, and I'm aiming to get three.
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex is where utility meets dazzle. It accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly, and with Shining Feather, it heals your team while dealing 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm all in.
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is dramatic. It won't attack unless you've built a full Rocket-themed deck, but once it does, it flings energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extra, and I appreciate that.
Misty’s Psyduck is here for the laughs and perhaps to cost you a game in the most charming way. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck for... well, who knows? But it's perfect.
Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex brings the villainous vibe with an aggressive Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and being just annoying enough to work. It's the dream of a disruption deck, and I'm planning to run it like it's 2020 all over again.