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

Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans—the highly anticipated Destined Rivals set is on its way, and I'm already clearing shelf space while pretending I won't splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need. This exciting new release reintroduces Trainer's Pokémon, brings back the notorious Team Rocket for more villainous antics, and showcases some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or just love the thrill of cardboard power, this set is not to be missed.

The Pokémon Center website has been undergoing some "mysterious" maintenance and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. You might find yourself hitting refresh like it's Black Friday for those coveted battle decks. Here's your guide to securing your preorder this week:

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders

1See it at Amazon

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders

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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders

2See it at Walmart

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders

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Destined Rivals UK Preorders

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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, the official release date for Destined Rivals. That's when all sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, assuming any stock remains. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages, but it's best to be prepared. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Be sure to reach out to your local league store now to secure your spot—perhaps with a friendly bribe of snacks.

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 thrice 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

Additionally, there will likely be special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially showcasing characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll convince yourself otherwise.

Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals

Here's a look at the 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 can already see myself filling multiple binders, but a few cards have secured a permanent spot on my wishlist:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: A powerhouse that deals big damage, draws cards, and exudes Champion energy. I need three of these.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A beautiful blend of utility and aesthetics, accelerating Fire Energy and healing your team while dealing 160 damage. It's mesmerizing.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: A dramatic card that only attacks when surrounded by a Rocket-themed deck. It's chaotic and I love it.
• Misty’s Psyduck: A card that's as amusing as it is strategic, with an ability to discard it back to the top of your deck. It's perfect.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: A disruptive Dark-type card that thrives on energy acceleration. It's a throwback to 2020, and I'm ready to run it again.