Release Date: May 30, 2025
Preorders Expected: March 24 to Early May
Pokemon has announced an official Release Date of Destined Rivals of May 30, 2025. While product will be available to purchase in stores around that time, preorders were actually available today for the Pokemon Center ETB and Booster Box. If you were a member of our Discord, you were notified the moment they were listed!
Team Rocket Returns in Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals
The Pokémon Company has officially announced the next expansion in the Scarlet & Violet era: Scarlet & Violet—Destined Rivals, releasing May 30, 2025 worldwide.
This set brings back the popular Trainer’s Pokémon mechanic with a dramatic twist — Team Rocket is back and they’re bringing the heat. Players can align themselves with heroes like Ethan & Ho-Oh ex or Cynthia & Garchomp ex, or join the villainous side with Mewtwo ex under Giovanni’s command.
Preorder Watch: Pokémon Center ETB and Booster Box
The Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box and booster box went up for sale on March 24, 2025 around 11 AM Eastern. Members of our Discord were able to get their preorders in before the queue grew to more than 500,000 people. This preorder was limited to 1 per person, so a lot of people were able to get their preorder in.
Destined Rivals ETB shared by Pokemon Press
If you missed out on this initial drop, be sure to join our free Discord before any more drops go live. We expect to see more opportunities across different retailers, including Pokemon Center, Target, Best Buy, and more. As part of our Discord, you will be notified when these products drop.
Destined Rivals – Set Highlights
- 83 cards marked as Team Rocket’s
- 17 Pokémon ex (10 of which are Trainer’s Pokémon ex)
- 23 Illustration Rare cards
- 11 Special Illustration Rare cards
- 6 Gold-etched Hyper Rares
Prerelease Dates
Looking to test the cards early? Prerelease tournaments will begin May 17, 2025 at participating independent retailers. These are great ways to get a sneak peek at the set — and sometimes even pick up packs before launch day.
Digital Release
The set will launch digitally on Pokémon TCG Live starting May 29, 2025. Players can build decks, collect new Trainer’s Pokémon cards, and unlock in-game bonuses just by logging in.
Final Thoughts
Destined Rivals is shaping up to be one of the strongest sets of Scarlet & Violet — with fan-favorite villains, powerful new artwork, and highly collectible Trainer’s Pokémon cards. If you’re planning to grab the Pokémon Center ETB or booster box, don’t leave it to chance — join the Discord and stay ahead of the scalpers.