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 on the horizon, and I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally budgeting, knowing full well I'll splurge on an Elite Trainer Box I absolutely don't need. This set is exciting, bringing back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroducing Team Rocket for more villainous antics, and featuring some of the most stunning card art we've seen in a while. If you're passionate about collecting dazzling cards or simply revel in the thrill of cardboard power, this set is tailor-made for you.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some mysterious "maintenance" and now has preorders live. If you miss out there, don't worry—listings are expected to pop up any moment at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. Get ready to refresh those pages like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here’s your essential 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?

The full release is set for May 30, 2025. That's when all sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, assuming any stock remains. The Pokémon Company has been addressing ongoing shortages, so fingers crossed. From May 17 to 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Check with your local league store now—maybe even bring some snacks to sweeten the deal.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I keep telling myself I'll just buy one item, much like I tell myself I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all fooling ourselves, but it's okay. Here's what you can expect when Destined Rivals hits the market:

• 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 a high chance we'll also 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 otherwise.

Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals

Here's the full expected card list categorized 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'll likely end up with multiple binders full of these cards, but a few have already earned a spot on my mental wishlist:

• Cynthia's Garchomp ex: It's a powerhouse with big damage, hand draw, and the confidence of someone who always gets their turn one setup. Peak Champion energy—I want three.
• Ethan's Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and glamour. It accelerates Fire Energy effortlessly, and with Shining Feather, it heals your entire team while dealing 160 damage. It's ridiculous, and I'm all in.
• Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex: Pure drama. It won't attack unless you've built a Rocket-themed deck around it, but when it does, it tosses energy around like a hyper Gengar. It's extravagantly dramatic, which I appreciate.
• Misty's Psyduck: It's here to make you laugh, then probably lose 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: It brings the villainous energy 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'm planning to run it like it's 2020 all over again.