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

The excitement is building as Pokémon TCG's next big release, Destined Rivals, approaches, and I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally preparing for the inevitable splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I'll convince myself I absolutely need. This set is a thrilling addition to the franchise, bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing the mischievous Team Rocket, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or simply revel in the thrill of wielding cardboard power, this set promises to deliver.

The Pokémon Center website has been mysteriously undergoing "maintenance" but has now opened preorders. If you miss out on this, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. It's time to start refreshing your browser like it's Black Friday for those coveted battle decks. Here's your essential guide to securing your preorder this week.

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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

The official launch date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. On this date, all sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, provided there's any stock left, as The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing shortages. From May 17 to May 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Be sure to check with your local league store now—perhaps with a friendly bribe of snacks—to secure your spot.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd love to say I'll stick to just one item, but let's be honest—self-control goes out the window when it comes to Pokémon TCG. 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

It's highly probable that we'll see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but trust me, you'll find a way to justify the purchase.

Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals

Here's the full expected card list, categorized 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 can already see myself filling multiple binders with these cards, but a few have already captured my heart and secured a spot on my must-have list.

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: A powerhouse that exudes Champion energy with its high damage output and ability to draw cards. I'm planning to get three of these for my deck.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: The perfect blend of utility and style, accelerating Fire Energy and healing your team while dealing a solid 160 damage. It's a must-have for me.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: The epitome of drama, requiring a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its potential. Its ability to manipulate energy is both chaotic and captivating.
• Misty’s Psyduck: A delightful card that adds a humorous twist to the game. Its ability to discard itself to the top of the deck is quirky and endearing—I need it.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Embracing the villainous vibe, this Dark-type card thrives on energy acceleration and disruption, reminiscent of 2020's meta. I'm excited to build a deck around it.