The excitement for the upcoming Pokémon TCG set, *Destined Rivals*, is palpable, and I'm right there with you, preparing my shelf space and mentally justifying that Elite Trainer Box purchase. This set reintroduces the thrilling concept of Trainer's Pokémon, brings back the notorious Team Rocket for more villainy, and boasts some of the most stunning card art we've seen recently. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or simply enjoy the thrill of the game, *Destined Rivals* promises to deliver.

The Pokémon Center website has been buzzing with "maintenance" and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, where listings are expected to pop up any moment. Get ready to refresh your browser like it's Black Friday for those battle decks. Here’s your guide to securing 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?

Mark your calendars for the full release on May 30, 2025. That’s when all sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, assuming any remain in stock. The Pokémon Company has been working hard 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. If you're interested, check with your local league store now—perhaps with a bribe of snacks to sweeten the deal.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

Let's be honest, we all tell ourselves we'll buy just one thing and stick to the plan. I also tell myself I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all fibbing, but 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, particularly with 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 already envisioning my collection growing with multiple binders, but a few cards have already claimed a spot on my wishlist:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card is all about power and strategy. It deals big damage, helps with hand draw, and exudes the confidence of a champion. I'm aiming to get three of these for my deck.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and beauty, this card accelerates Fire Energy and heals your team while dealing a whopping 160 damage. It's a must-have.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: This card is the epitome of drama, requiring a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its potential. It's extravagant and I'm here for it.
• Misty’s Psyduck: This card is adorably chaotic. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck for strategic reasons, and I'm all in for the fun factor.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: It's perfect for a disruptive Dark-type deck, accelerating energy and bringing the villainous vibe. I plan to run this like it's the golden days of 2020.