Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans—the much-anticipated Destined Rivals set is on the horizon, and I'm already clearing space on my shelf while trying to convince myself I won't splurge on yet another Elite Trainer Box. This set not only brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon but also reintroduces Team Rocket for more villainous antics, all wrapped up in some of the most stunning card art we've seen recently. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or just love the thrill of a new set, Destined Rivals is poised to deliver.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance, and preorders are now live. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers where listings could appear at any moment. It's time to channel your inner Black Friday warrior and refresh those pages. Here's how you can secure your preorder this week.

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders

1. See it at Amazon

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders

3. See it at Best Buy

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders

2. See it at Walmart

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders

1. See it at Target

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 full release is set for May 30, 2025. That's when sealed products will start shipping and hitting shelves, though 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. Make sure to check with your local league store for details—and maybe 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. We all know that's a lie, and that's okay.

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

Expect to see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but you'll definitely want them.

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 already planning to fill multiple binders with these cards, but a few have already captured my heart and secured a spot on my wishlist.

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse. With massive damage, card drawing, and the confident swagger of a champion, it's a must-have. I'm aiming for three of these.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. Its ability to accelerate Fire Energy and heal your team while dealing 160 damage is just ridiculous—and I love it.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built your entire deck around it, but when it does, it throws energy around with the energy of a hyper Gengar. It's extra, and I respect that.
• Misty’s Psyduck is here for the laughs. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck for... well, reasons. It's silly, and I'm here for it.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex brings the villainous vibe with a Dark-type strategy that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption. It's a dream for any deck looking to annoy opponents, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.