Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans! The highly anticipated Destined Rivals set is on the horizon, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves while trying to convince myself I won't splurge on an Elite Trainer Box. This set not only brings back Trainer's Pokémon but also reintroduces Team Rocket for some delightful villainy, all wrapped up in stunning card art that's among the best we've seen. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or simply love the thrill of wielding cardboard power, Destined Rivals is set to be a game-changer.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers, as listings are expected to pop up soon. It's time to channel your inner Black Friday spirit and start refreshing those pages for those coveted battle decks. Here’s your comprehensive guide to securing your preorder this week.

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders

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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders

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Destined Rivals UK Preorders

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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025—the official launch date for Destined Rivals. That’s when all sealed products will hit the shelves and begin shipping, though stock availability might be a concern given ongoing shortages. The Pokémon Company is working on this, but it's wise to stay vigilant. Pre-release events, offering Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments, are set to occur between May 17 and 25. Make sure to check with your local league store to get involved—perhaps with a little bribery in the form of snacks.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

Let's be real, we all tell ourselves we'll just buy one thing and be done. It's like promising to hit the gym thrice a week. Here's the full lineup of products launching with Destined Rivals:

• 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 of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself otherwise.

Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals

Here’s the full 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 planning for multiple binders, but a few cards have already claimed spots on my must-have list:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: A powerhouse that embodies Champion energy with big damage and hand draw capabilities. I want three of these for my deck.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A stunning blend of utility and sparkle, accelerating Fire Energy and healing your team while dealing massive damage. It's absurdly good, and I'm totally obsessed.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding, this card only attacks in a full Rocket-themed deck, but when it does, it's explosive. Its flair and energy manipulation are something to respect.
• Misty’s Psyduck: Hilariously lovable, this card lets you discard it to the top of your deck for unpredictable plays. It's perfect chaos, and I'm here for it.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Perfect for a disruption deck, this card brings the villainous vibes with aggressive Dark-type energy acceleration. It's a throwback to 2020's deck-building style, and I'm ready to run it again.