The excitement for Pokémon TCG's upcoming set, Destined Rivals, is palpable, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves while mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I'm telling myself I don't need. This set is a thrilling blend of nostalgia and innovation, bringing back Trainer's Pokémon and reintroducing Team Rocket for more mischievous adventures. The card art in this set is some of the most captivating we've seen, making it a must-have for collectors and players who thrive on the thrill of powerful cardboard. Whether you're drawn to the allure of shiny collectibles or simply enjoy the rush of strategic gameplay, Destined Rivals promises to deliver.
The Pokémon Center website has recently undergone some mysterious "maintenance" and is now open for preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers, where listings are expected to go live any moment. It's time to channel your inner Black Friday energy and be ready to hit refresh until you secure your spot.
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When Does Destined Rivals Officially Launch?
Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, the official release date for Destined Rivals. That's when all the sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, although securing them might be a challenge given the ongoing stock shortages that The Pokémon Company has been addressing. From May 17 to May 25, select stores will hold pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. Make sure to check with your local league store to participate, and perhaps bring some snacks to sweeten the deal.
What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?
Let's be honest, we all tell ourselves we'll just buy one item, but we know that's not happening. Here's the full lineup of products you can expect with the launch of Destined Rivals:
- 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
Special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie are also likely to appear. You might not need them, but you'll definitely convince yourself otherwise.
Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals
Here's a comprehensive look at the expected card list 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 cards, but a few have already claimed spots on my wishlist:
- Cynthia's Garchomp ex: This card embodies Champion energy with its high damage output and hand draw capability. It's the kind of card that feels like a power move every time you play it.
- 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 when paired with a full Rocket-themed deck, making it a thrilling challenge to build around.
- Misty's Psyduck: This card adds a humorous twist to your deck, with an ability that lets you discard it to the top of your deck. It's quirky and endearing.
- Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex: Embodying the villainous spirit, this card thrives on energy acceleration and disruption, making it a fantastic addition to any aggressive Dark-type deck.