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

The Pokémon Trading Card Game's latest set, Destined Rivals, is poised to make a grand entrance, and I'm already clearing space on my shelves and mentally preparing my budget for the inevitable splurge on an Elite Trainer Box that I definitely don't need. This set reintroduces the Trainer's Pokémon, brings back the mischievous Team Rocket for more villainous antics, and showcases some of the most stunning card art we've seen in recent times. If you're a fan of dazzling collectibles or just love the thrill of wielding cardboard power, this set is for you.

The Pokémon Center website has undergone some intriguing "maintenance" and is now accepting preorders. If you miss out there, keep an eye out for listings at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers. It's time to refresh those pages like it's Black Friday for battle decks. Here's your guide to securing your preorder this week.

Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals US Preorders

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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Best Buy Preorders

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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Walmart Preorders

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Pokémon TCG: Destined Rivals Target Preorders

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Destined Rivals UK Preorders

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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 official launch date for Destined Rivals is set for May 30, 2025. This is when you can expect all sealed products to ship and hit store shelves, provided there's any stock left. The Pokémon Company has been working to address ongoing stock shortages. Pre-release events featuring Build & Battle boxes and early access tournaments will be held between May 17 and 25 at select stores. If you're keen on participating, it's wise to connect with your local league store now—perhaps even sweeten the deal with some snacks.

What Products Will Be Launching With This Set?

I'd love to say I'll just buy one item and call it a day. I'd also love to say I'll hit the gym three times a week. We're all telling ourselves little fibs, and that's okay.

Here’s what you can expect when Destined Rivals hits the shelves:

• 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

It's also likely that special collection boxes with alternate art promos, featuring characters like Cynthia, Misty, Ethan, or Marnie, will be available. You might not need them, but you'll definitely find a way to justify their purchase.

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'm gearing up to fill multiple binders with these cards, but a few have already claimed a spot on my must-have list:

• Cynthia’s Garchomp ex: A powerhouse card with big damage and hand draw capabilities. It exudes the confidence of a Champion who always gets her setup right on the first turn. I need three of these.
• Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex: A dazzling fusion of utility and beauty. Its ability to accelerate Fire Energy and heal your team while dealing 160 damage is simply breathtaking. I'm completely smitten.
• Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Dramatic and demanding. It won't attack unless you've built a full Rocket-themed deck around it, but once it does, it tosses energy around with the flair of a hyperactive Gengar. Its extravagance is something I admire.
• Misty’s Psyduck: Here to bring some laughs, even if it might cost you a game in the most endearing way. Its ability to discard itself to the top of your deck is quirky, and I'm all for it.
• Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Infusing villainy with an aggressive Dark-type strategy that thrives on energy acceleration and tactical disruption. It's a dream for a disruption deck, and I'm ready to run it like it's 2020 again.