The Pokémon TCG's eagerly anticipated expansion, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon, and I'm already clearing space on my shelf while trying to convince myself I won't splurge on yet another Elite Trainer Box. This set reintroduces beloved Trainer's Pokémon, brings back the nefarious Team Rocket for more mischief, and boasts some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of shiny cards or simply love the thrill of strategic gameplay, this set is a must-have.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers as listings are expected to go live any moment. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you secure your preorder this week.

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders

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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders

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Destined Rivals UK Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Argos Preorders
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Preorders
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Magic Madhouse Preorders

When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?

Mark your calendars for the official launch of Destined Rivals on May 30, 2025. This is when all sealed products will be shipped and available on shelves, stock permitting. The Pokémon Company has been actively addressing recent stock shortages, but it's still wise to preorder. From May 17 to 25, selected stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. It's a good idea to reach out to your local league store now to secure your spot—perhaps with a friendly offering of snacks.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd like to believe I'll stick to just one item, much like my weekly gym routine, but we all know that's a pipe dream. Here's a rundown of the products you can expect when Destined Rivals hits the market:

• 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, expect to see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll undoubtedly find a way to justify their purchase.

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 my collection expanding into multiple binders, but a few cards have already captured my attention:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card embodies peak Champion energy with its high damage output and hand draw capability. It's a must-have, and I'm aiming for three.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: Combining utility with elegance, this card accelerates Fire Energy and heals your team while dealing a hefty 160 damage. It's a game-changer, and I'm already obsessed.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: The epitome of drama, this card only attacks within a full Rocket-themed deck but is incredibly powerful when it does. Its flair is something I deeply respect.
• Misty’s Psyduck: This card brings humor to the game with its ability to be discarded to the top of your deck. It's quirky and lovable, and I'm all in for it.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Perfect for an aggressive Dark-type build, this card thrives on energy acceleration and disruption. It's a throwback to 2020, and I'm ready to relive those days.