Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Preorders Have Gone Live Today, Here's My Top Tips to Secure the Goods

The excitement is palpable as Pokémon TCG's next big release, Destined Rivals, approaches. I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I absolutely 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 while. If you're a fan of dazzling collectibles or simply revel in the thrill of cardboard power, this set is a must-have.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, as listings are expected to go live soon. It's time to refresh those pages like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here's everything you need to know to secure your preorder this week.

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US 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

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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, the official release date for Destined Rivals. That's when all sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, provided there's any stock left. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages. From May 17 to 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. It's wise to check with your local league store now—perhaps with a few snacks as a friendly gesture.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd like to think I'll just buy one item and call it a day. I also like to think I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all in denial, 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

It's also likely that special collection boxes with alternate art promos will be available, featuring 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 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 secured a spot on my mental wishlist:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse. It deals big damage, draws cards, and exudes the confidence of someone who always gets their turn one setup right. This is the epitome of Champion energy, and I want three.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. Its ability accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly, and Shining Feather heals your entire team while dealing 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm hooked.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it tosses energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extravagantly extra, and I respect that.
• Misty’s Psyduck is here to make you laugh and then probably lose a game in the most endearing way possible. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck, for... reasons. I don't care. It's perfect.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex brings the villainous vibes with an aggressive Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and being just annoying enough to work. It's a disruption deck's dream, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.