Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Preorders Have Gone Live Today, Here's My Top Tips to Secure the Goods

The excitement is palpable as Pokémon TCG's next big release, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon. I'm already clearing space on my shelves and mentally preparing myself not to splurge on yet another Elite Trainer Box that I absolutely do not need. This set is a treasure trove for fans, reintroducing Trainer's Pokémon and bringing back Team Rocket for more mischievous antics. The card art is some of the finest we've seen, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts who revel in the thrill of powerful cardboard. If you're all about those shiny collectibles or just love the rush of strategic gameplay, Destined Rivals is set to captivate you.

The Pokémon Center website has recently undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and now boasts preorders. If you miss out on that, keep your eyes peeled—listings will soon appear on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. Prepare to refresh your browser as if it's Black Friday for those coveted battle decks. Here's your comprehensive guide to securing your preorder this week:

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders

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 May 30, 2025, the official launch date for Destined Rivals. This is when all sealed products will be shipped and hit store shelves—fingers crossed there's stock available. The Pokémon Company has been working diligently to address ongoing stock shortages. Pre-release events will run between May 17 and 25, offering Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments at select stores. If you're eager to participate, check with your local league store soon—perhaps with some tasty bribes to sweeten the deal.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd love to convince myself that I'll just pick up one item and call it a day. But let's be real, we all know that's not happening. Here's what you can expect when Destined Rivals hits the shelves:

• 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

There's also a high chance we'll see special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially for characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll definitely talk yourself into it.

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 no doubt I'll end up with several binders stuffed with these cards, but a few have already claimed spots on my must-have list:

Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is the epitome of power and strategy. It's a card that not only packs a punch but also allows for hand draw, embodying the essence of a true Champion. I need three of these in my deck.

Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with dazzling aesthetics. It accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly and heals your entire team while dealing 160 damage. It's a game-changer, and I'm completely smitten.

Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama and flair. It demands a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its potential, throwing energy around with reckless abandon. Its extravagance is something I admire.

Misty’s Psyduck is here for the laughs and the occasional strategic discard to the top of your deck. It's quirky, and I'm all in for it.

Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex brings the dark, disruptive energy that makes for an exciting gameplay experience. It's a throwback to 2020, and I plan on running it just as aggressively.