The next big release in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, *Destined Rivals*, is nearly upon us, and I'm already clearing shelf space while trying to convince myself that I won't splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I absolutely don't need. This set is bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing Team Rocket for another round of villainous fun, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a long time. If you're a fan of eye-catching collectibles or simply enjoy the thrill of wielding cardboard power, this set is definitely for you.
The Pokémon Center website has undergone some *mysterious* "maintenance" and has now opened preorders. If you miss out on that (which would be surprising), expect listings to go live soon at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. It's time to start refreshing your browser 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?
The official release date for *Destined Rivals* is set for May 30, 2025. On that date, all sealed products will be shipped and available on shelves, provided there's any stock left. The Pokémon Company has been actively working to address ongoing stock shortages. From May 17 to 25, select stores will host pre-release events, featuring Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're interested, it's wise to reach out to your local league store soon—perhaps with some snacks as a friendly gesture.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
While I'd love to convince myself that I'll only buy one item, we all know that's a bit of a stretch. Here's what you can expect to be available 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
It's also likely that special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos will be released, especially with characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not 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
There's a good chance I'll end up with multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already secured a permanent spot on my mental wishlist:
- Cynthia's Garchomp ex: A powerhouse in every sense. It delivers big damage, draws cards, and exudes the confident energy of someone who always gets her turn one setup. This card embodies peak Champion energy, and I want three of them.
- Ethan's Ho-Oh ex: The perfect blend of utility and dazzle. Its ability accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly, while Shining Feather heals your entire team and hits for 160. It's absurdly powerful, and I'm already obsessed.
- Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex: Pure drama. It refuses to attack unless you've built an entire Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it throws energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extravagantly theatrical, and I respect that.
- Misty's Psyduck: Here to make you laugh and then probably lose a game in the most endearing way possible. It has an ability that lets you discard it to the top of your deck, for... reasons. I don't care. It's perfect.
- Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex: Brings the villain vibes with an aggressive Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption. It's the dream card for a disruption deck, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.
