The highly anticipated Pokémon TCG expansion, Destined Rivals, has been officially revealed with pre-orders now available. Veteran collectors won't be shocked to learn the launch has faced typical challenges, from scalpers to retailer website crashes during the initial rush.

Announced on March 24, Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals will officially release May 30, 2025. Several factors contribute to its instant popularity: Not only does it reintroduce Trainer's Pokémon cards - nostalgic favorites like Brock's Sandslash that longtime fans will remember - but it also focuses on Team Rocket, the iconic villainous group from Pokémon's early days. Much like this year's Prismatic Evolutions set featuring Eeveelutions, Destined Rivals shows all the signs of becoming a fan-favorite collection.

Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box Preview Images

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The pre-order launch quickly turned chaotic as collectors flooded the Pokémon Center website, many unable to secure the coveted Elite Trainer Boxes. These special collections, typically priced at $54.99, were immediately resold by scalpers for hundreds on secondary markets. Pokémon community leader Joe Merrick of Serebii expressed widespread frustration, detailing his hours-long wait in virtual queues.

"This financial focus on Pokémon TCG is disheartening," Merrick commented. "When collectors treat cards purely as investments rather than enjoying them as a hobby, it ruins the experience for everyone. This scalping culture needs to change."

This scenario mirrors recent Pokémon TCG launches. Both the Prismatic Evolutions and Blooming Waters 151 sets faced similar shortages, with restocks often selling out immediately. The Pokémon Company has acknowledged the issue, stating in an official FAQ that additional Destined Rivals ETB stock will arrive later this year.

Compounding the problem, some legitimate orders have reportedly been canceled unexpectedly. While the digital alternative Pokémon TCG Pocket offers some relief, physical collectors remain frustrated. A visit to any local game store's card section reveals slim pickings, showcasing how challenging it's become for casual fans to participate in this evolving hobby. With exciting releases like Destined Rivals generating so much anticipation, fans can only hope for meaningful solutions to these ongoing availability issues.