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"Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Preorders Live - Top Tips to Secure"

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 19,2025

The Pokémon TCG's next major release, Destined Rivals, is on the horizon, and I'm already clearing shelf space and mentally preparing to splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need but absolutely must have. This set brings back Trainer's Pokémon, reintroduces Team Rocket for more villainous antics, and boasts some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector or a player looking to harness the power of cardboard, Destined Rivals is set to be a thrilling addition to your collection.

The Pokémon Center website underwent some intriguing "maintenance" and has now opened preorders. If you miss out on that, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers. Get ready to refresh those pages like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here's everything you need to know to secure 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?

The full release of Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. That's when all the sealed products will ship and be available in stores, assuming stocks last. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages. Pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments will run from May 17 to 25. Make sure to check with your local league store to participate—and bringing snacks might help your cause.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

We all know the drill: planning to buy just one item and then convincing ourselves we need everything. Here's what will be available at 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

We can also expect special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos of characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie. You might not need them, but you'll definitely want them.

Play

Cards That Should Be In Destined Rivals

Here's the anticipated card list based on the 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 my collection expanding with these cards, and a few have already made it onto my must-have list:

  • Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: This card embodies Champion energy with its high damage output, hand draw capabilities, and the aura of someone who always gets their setup right on the first turn. I want three of these.
  • Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and flair, it accelerates Fire Energy and heals your entire team while dealing 160 damage. It's both powerful and dazzling, and I'm completely smitten.
  • Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: This card is all about drama and flair. It demands a full Rocket-themed deck to unleash its potential, but when it does, it manipulates energy like a hyperactive Gengar. Its extravagance is something I deeply admire.
  • Misty’s Psyduck: A card that's as entertaining as it is unpredictable. Its ability lets you discard it to the top of your deck for... well, just because. It's quirky, and I'm here for it.
  • Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: This card brings the dark, villainous energy with a Dark-type build that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption. It's perfect for those looking to throw opponents off their game, and I'm planning to make it my 2020 throwback deck.