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

The excitement is building as Pokémon TCG's latest expansion, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon, and I'm already preparing my space and budget, even though I know I'll likely splurge on that Elite Trainer Box I don't technically need. This set not only revives the beloved Trainer's Pokémon but also brings back Team Rocket for more mischief, all wrapped up with some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or someone who thrives on the thrill of the game, this set is crafted just for you.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now open for preorders. If that doesn't work out for you, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers, as listings should appear any moment. It's time to refresh those pages as if it's Black Friday for the latest battle decks. Here's your guide to securing your preorder this week:

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Amazon Preorders

1See it at Amazon

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders

3See it at Best Buy

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders

2See it at Walmart

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders

1See 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, as that's when Destined Rivals will officially hit the shelves. Pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments will take place between May 17 and 25 at select stores. It's wise to check with your local league store now, and perhaps bring along some snacks to sweeten the deal.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'm telling myself I'll just buy one thing, but let's be honest, that's a tall order. 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

There's also a high chance of seeing special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, particularly with characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll certainly find a way to justify the 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 likely to end up with multiple binders of these cards, but a few have already caught my attention:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse. It delivers big damage, lets you draw cards, and exudes the confidence of a true Champion. I'm aiming to get three.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. It speeds up Fire Energy attachment and has an ability that heals your entire team while dealing 160 damage. It's incredible, and I'm hooked.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama. It only attacks if you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it's like a caffeinated Gengar throwing energy around. I appreciate its extravagance.
• Misty’s Psyduck is here for laughs and potentially losing games in the most endearing 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 brings the villainous energy with a Dark-type deck that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption. I'm planning to run it like it's 2020 all over again.