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

The next big release in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Destined Rivals, is right around the corner, and I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box I definitely don't need. This set is bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing Team Rocket for more villainous antics, and showcasing some of the most stunning card art we've seen in years. Whether you're a collector of flashy cards or just love the rush of competitive gameplay, Destined Rivals is not to be missed.

The Pokémon Center website has been undergoing some "mysterious" maintenance and is now open for preorders. If that doesn't work out, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. You might find yourself refreshing pages like it's Black Friday for those battle decks. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you secure 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: the full release of Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. That's when all the sealed products will start shipping and hit store shelves, assuming they're not sold out instantly. The Pokémon Company has been making efforts 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. It’s a good idea to check with your local league store now if you want to participate. And by "check," I mean maybe bring some snacks as a friendly gesture.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I like to tell myself I'll just buy one item and be done. I also like to pretend I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all in denial, and that's okay.

Here's the full lineup of products available 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 can also expect special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, especially of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself otherwise.

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 multiple binders filled with these cards, but a few have already claimed a spot on my mental wishlist:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex is a powerhouse. It deals big damage, lets you draw cards, and exudes the confidence of someone who always gets their turn one setup right. This is the epitome of Champion energy, and I want three.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex combines utility with flair. Its ability speeds up Fire Energy attachment, and Shining Feather heals your entire team while hitting for 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm completely hooked.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is all about drama. It won't attack unless you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it manipulates energy like a hyper Gengar. It's over-the-top, and I respect that.
• Misty’s Psyduck is here to make you laugh and then probably lose a game in the most endearing way possible. 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 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.