Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Preorders Live - Top Tips to Secure

The Pokémon TCG's next big release, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon, and I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box I absolutely don't need but will definitely buy. This set promises a thrilling return of Trainer's Pokémon, brings back the notorious Team Rocket for more mischief, and showcases some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. If you're a fan of dazzling collectibles or just love the thrill of cardboard power, this set is tailor-made for you.

The Pokémon Center website recently underwent some intriguing "maintenance" and is now taking preorders. If you miss out there (which would be surprising), keep an eye out for listings popping up at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. You might find yourself refreshing pages like it's Black Friday for those coveted battle decks. Here's everything you need to know to secure your preorder this week.

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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

The full release of Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. That's when all the sealed products will start shipping and hit store shelves—assuming there are any left. The Pokémon Company has been addressing ongoing stock shortages, but it's still a race to grab them. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're eager to participate, reach out to your local league store now—perhaps with a bribe of snacks.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd love to tell myself I'll stick to just one item. I'd also love to claim I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all kidding ourselves, and that's perfectly 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

There will likely be special collection boxes with alternate art promos, featuring fan-favorite 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 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 pretty sure I'll end up with multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already claimed a permanent spot on my wishlist:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is the epitome of a power move. It deals massive damage, draws cards, and exudes the confidence of someone who always gets their setup right on the first turn. It's the ultimate Champion card, and I want three.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. Its ability speeds up Fire Energy attachment, and Shining Feather not only heals your entire team but also hits for 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm completely smitten.
• 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 once it does, it throws energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extravagantly extra, and I respect that.
• Misty’s Psyduck is here to make you laugh and perhaps lose a game in the most endearing way possible. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck, for... well, reasons. I don't care; it's perfect.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex embodies villainous vibes with an aggressive Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and being just disruptive enough to be effective. It's a disruption deck's dream, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.