The excitement is palpable as Pokémon TCG's next big release, Destined Rivals, approaches. As I carve out shelf space and mentally prepare for the inevitable splurge on an Elite Trainer Box, I can't help but be thrilled about what's in store. This set not only brings back Trainer's Pokémon but also reintroduces Team Rocket for more villainous antics, all while boasting some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. Whether you're a collector of dazzling cards or simply love the thrill of wielding cardboard power, Destined Rivals is set to captivate.

The Pokémon Center website has already undergone some mysterious "maintenance" and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye on listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other retailers, as they're expected to go live any moment. It's time 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.

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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 sealed products will ship and hit the shelves, provided there's any stock left. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages, but it's wise to act fast. Between May 17 and 25, select stores will host pre-release events with Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments. If you're interested, reach out to your local league store now—perhaps with a few 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 and be done. It's a comforting lie, much like promising to hit the gym three times a week. Here's 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

Additionally, expect special collection boxes featuring alternate art promos, likely showcasing 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: A powerhouse card that combines big damage with hand draw, embodying the essence of a Champion. I'm aiming to get three of these.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A perfect blend of utility and beauty, with an ability that accelerates Fire Energy and a move that heals your team while dealing 160 damage. It's a must-have.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding, this card only attacks if you've built a Rocket-themed deck around it, but the payoff is worth it. It's extra, and I'm here for it.
• Misty’s Psyduck: A card that's as lovable as it is quirky, with an ability that lets you discard it to the top of your deck. It's perfect in its own unique way.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: A dark-type card that thrives on energy acceleration and disruption, perfect for recreating the chaos of 2020. I plan to run it with pride.