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 but will definitely buy. This set is a treasure trove for fans, 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. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or simply revel in the thrill of cardboard power, Destined Rivals is set to captivate you.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now open for 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.

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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, the official launch 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. If you're interested, reach out to your local league store now—perhaps with a few snacks to sweeten the deal.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

Let's be honest, we all tell ourselves we'll just buy one item and be done. It's a comforting lie, much like promising to hit the gym three times a week. 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 of seeing special collection boxes with alternate art promos, especially 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 already envisioning multiple binders filled with these cards, but a few have already claimed a spot on my mental wishlist:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: A powerhouse card that embodies Champion energy with big damage, hand draw, and a smug setup. I'm aiming to get three of these.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and flair, accelerating Fire Energy and healing your team while dealing 160 damage. It's a must-have.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding, it only attacks within a full Rocket-themed deck but throws energy around with flair. It's extra, and I'm here for it.
• Misty’s Psyduck: A card that's as lovable as it is unpredictable, with an ability to discard itself to the top of your deck for... reasons. It's perfect.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: A villainous card that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption, perfect for an aggressive Dark-type build. I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.