Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans! The much-anticipated set, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves while mentally preparing to splurge on that irresistible Elite Trainer Box. This set not only brings back the beloved Trainer's Pokémon but also reintroduces Team Rocket for more mischievous antics. Plus, the card art in this set is some of the most stunning we've seen in a while. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or just love the thrill of the game, Destined Rivals is a must-have.
The Pokémon Center website has already undergone some "mysterious" maintenance and is now accepting preorders. If that doesn't work out, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers, where listings could go live at any moment. It's going to be like Black Friday for Pokémon enthusiasts, so get ready to refresh those pages!
Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders
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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?
--------------------------------------------Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, as that's when Destined Rivals will officially hit the shelves. Pre-release events, featuring Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments, will be held between May 17 and 25 at select stores. If you're eager to join, reach out to your local league store—perhaps with some snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
----------------------------------------------We all tell ourselves we'll just buy one thing, but who are we kidding? Here's a rundown of 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
Don't be surprised if special collection boxes with alternate art promos, featuring characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie, also make an appearance. You might not need them, but you'll definitely want them.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
---------------------------------------Here's a comprehensive list of the expected cards, organized by their Japanese set origins:
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 multiple binders filled with these gems, but a few cards have already captured my heart:
- Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card embodies peak Champion energy with its high damage output and hand draw capabilities. It's a must-have for any serious player.
- Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and beauty, this card accelerates Fire Energy and heals your team while dealing significant damage. It's a game-changer.
- Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding, this card only attacks if you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it. Its energy manipulation is both chaotic and captivating.
- Misty’s Psyduck: This card is here for the laughs and the love. Its quirky ability to discard itself to the top of your deck is endearing, if not strategically sound.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Perfect for those who love a disruptive Dark-type deck, this card brings the villainous flair and energy acceleration that can turn the tide of any match.