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

The excitement is building as the Pokémon TCG's upcoming set, Destined Rivals, approaches, and I'm already clearing space on my shelf and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I absolutely do not need. This set is set to bring back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroduce the notorious Team Rocket, and showcase some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. Whether you're a fan of eye-catching collectibles or just love the thrill of holding powerful cards, this set is tailor-made for you.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now open for preorders. If you miss out on that, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. It's time to hit refresh like it's Black Friday to secure your battle decks. Here's everything you need to know to lock in your preorder this week.

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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, when Destined Rivals will officially launch. That's when all the sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, assuming they're still in stock. The Pokémon Company has been addressing ongoing stock shortages, so fingers crossed. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. It's a good idea to check with your local league store now if you want to participate. And by "check," I mean maybe bring some snacks to sweeten the deal.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd like to think I'll just buy one item and call it a day. I also like to think I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all lying to ourselves, and 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

We're also likely to see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially with characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but you'll probably 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 sure I'll end up with multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already claimed a spot on my mental wishlist:

Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is the epitome of power. It deals massive damage, allows for hand draw, and exudes the confidence of someone who always gets their turn one setup just right. This is quintessential Champion energy, and I'm aiming to have three.

Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with sheer beauty. Its ability to accelerate Fire Energy is effortless, and Shining Feather not only heals your entire team but also hits for 160. It's ridiculous, and I'm completely enamored.

Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about the drama. It won't attack unless you've crafted a full Rocket-themed deck, but when it does, it flings energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extravagantly over-the-top, and I respect that.

Misty’s Psyduck is here to bring laughter and, quite possibly, a game loss in the most endearing way. 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 channels villainous vibes with a Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and being just annoying enough to be effective. It's a disruption deck's dream, and I plan to play it like it's 2020 all over again.