Get ready, Pokémon TCG fans, because the highly anticipated Destined Rivals set is just around the corner, and I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally preparing not to spend all my money on an Elite Trainer Box I absolutely don't need. This set is bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing Team Rocket for more villainous shenanigans, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. Whether you're into collecting those shiny cards or just love the thrill of cardboard power, this set is a must-have.

The Pokémon Center website recently underwent some "mysterious" maintenance and is now accepting preorders. If that doesn't work out for you (which would be surprising), keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. You might need to refresh like it's Black Friday to snag those battle decks. Here’s your guide to securing your preorder this week:

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders

1 See it at Amazon

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders

3 See it at Best Buy

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders

2 See it at Walmart

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders

1 See it at Target

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, when Destined Rivals officially hits the shelves. That's when all the sealed products will ship, assuming there's any stock left. The Pokémon Company has been working hard to address ongoing stock shortages. From May 17 to 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're interested, reach out to your local league store now—maybe even bring some snacks to sweeten the deal.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

Let's be honest, I'll probably end up buying more than I need. It's like promising to hit the gym three times a week—we're all just lying to ourselves, and that's okay.

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

We're also likely to see special collection boxes with alternate art promos, especially featuring characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You don't need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself you do.

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 planning to fill multiple binders with these cards, but a few have already made it onto my mental wishlist:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card is all about power and strategy. It deals big damage, lets you draw cards, and exudes the confidence of a champion who always gets her setup right. I need three of these.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and beauty. It accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly, and its Shining Feather ability heals your entire team while hitting for 160. It's ridiculous, and I'm in love.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: This card is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built a full Rocket-themed deck, but when it does, it throws energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extra, and I respect that.
• Misty’s Psyduck: This card is here to make you laugh and probably lose a game in the most adorable way. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck for... reasons. I don't care; it's perfect.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: It brings the villainous vibes with an aggressive Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and being just annoying enough to work. It's a disruption deck's dream, and I plan to run it like it's 2020 all over again.