Top 10 Most Valuable Destined Rivals Pokemon Cards After Prerelease

Prerelease weekend for Destined Rivals has just come to a close, and the first batch of singles is starting to appear on the secondary market. With early price data now trickling in, we’re taking a closer look at the top 10 most valuable cards from the set so far. These prices reflect current market activity but may fluctuate rapidly once the set officially launches on May 30th.

Here are the top 10 most expensive cards from Destined Rivals at Pre-Release!

#10. Ethan's Adventure Special Illustration Rare #236

	Ethan's Adventure #236 Special Illustration Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Ethan's Adventure Special Illustration Rare #236 is currently valued around $100 at the time of writing.

The 10th most expensive card from Destined Rivals right now is the Ethan's Adventure Special Illustration Rare #236. Ethan's Adventure SIR captures a peaceful, introspective moment from the Johto hero’s journey, offering a rare glimpse of a Trainer outside the usual battle scene. The artwork emphasizes exploration and the emotional bond between Trainer and Pokémon, resonating with fans of the Gen-2 era. Its quiet charm and nostalgic nod to Gold, Silver, and Crystal give it strong collector appeal, especially for those who appreciate character-focused designs.

#9. Cynthia's Garchomp ex Gold Secret Rare #241

	Cynthia's Garchomp ex #241 Gold Secret Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Cynthia's Garchomp ex Gold Secret Rare #241 is currently valued around $120 at the time of writing.

Cynthia's Garchomp ex Gold Secret Rare #241 is the 9th most expensive card currently in Destined Rivals. This card pays tribute to one of the franchise’s most recognizable partnerships. As Sinnoh’s Champion, Cynthia has long been linked with Garchomp, and this gold Ultra Rare highlights that connection with a bold, radiant design. It draws on the legacy of Garchomp’s in-game strength and Cynthia’s enduring popularity, making it a visually striking card with strong roots in Sinnoh nostalgia.

#8. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Gold Secret Rare #240

	Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex #240 Gold Secret Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Gold Secret Rare #240 is currently valued around $140 at the time of writing.

The 8th most expensive card from Destined Rivals is Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Gold Secret Rare #240. This hyper rare offers a striking take on the iconic Psychic-type, reimagined under Team Rocket’s influence. Drawing from the classic storyline of humans trying to harness Mewtwo’s power, this card echoes themes from the original movie and older sets like Gym Challenge. Its dark twist on a legendary figure gives it a strong nostalgic pull, especially for those who remember Mewtwo’s earliest TV and TCG appearances.

#7. Team Rocket's Crobat ex Special Illustration Rare #234

	Team Rocket's Crobat ex #234 Special Illustration Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Team Rocket's Crobat ex Special Illustration Rare #234 is currently valued around $165 at the time of writing.

At #7 on the list of most expensive cards from Destined Rivals, we have the Team Rocket's Crobat ex SIR #234. This Crobat SIR delivers a high-energy scene that perfectly suits Team Rocket’s chaotic Crobat. The artwork features a full swarm of Zubat, Golbat, and Crobat in motion, creating a sense of speed and intensity rarely captured so vividly. With its darker, more serious tone and dynamic composition, the card feels like a cinematic moment frozen in time—one that’s resonated strongly with fans since the set’s reveal.

#6. Ethan's Ho-oh ex Gold Secret Rare #239

	Ethan's Ho-oh ex #239 Gold Secret Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Ethan's Ho-oh ex Gold Secret Rare #239 is currently valued around $180 at the time of writing.

At #6 on the list we have a very unexpected card. The 6th most expensive card in Destined Rivals right now is Ethan's Ho-oh ex #239. This card didn't even break the top 10 on the Japanese side when you look at Glory of Team Rocket and Heatwave Arena combined, so having it nearly make the top 5 in Destined Rivals is a major upset. We expect this card to pull back in rank as more cards hit the market, but there does seem to be some US preference for Ho-Oh that wasn't present on the Japanese side.

#5. Team Rocket's Nidoking ex Special Illustration Rare #233

	Team Rocket's Nidoking ex #233 Special Illustration Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Team Rocket's Nidoking ex Special Illustration Rare #233 is currently valued around $200 at the time of writing.

Right at the halfway point we have Team Rocket's Nidoking ex SIR #233. This card channels the legacy of Giovanni’s powerhouse Pokémon with bold, commanding artwork. Perched in front of the Rocket boss, Nidoking exudes raw strength and control, echoing its long-standing role as one of Team Rocket’s most intimidating battlers. The illustration blends classic Gen-1 roots with a modern, cinematic flair, making it a standout homage to one of the franchise’s original villainous duos.

#4. Team Rocket's Moltres ex Special Illustration Rare #229

	Team Rocket's Moltres ex #229 Special Illustration Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Team Rocket's Moltres ex Special Illustration Rare #229 is currently valued around $230 at the time of writing.

The 4th most valuable card from Destined Rivals is the Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR #229. This SIR is a visually stunning card illustrated by AKIRA EGAWA, known for many iconic designs, perhaps most notably the gold creation trio and Arceus in Crown Zenith. This artwork presents Moltres with a fiery, almost mythic presence, combining explosive power with elegant detail. It’s a dramatic reimagining that many consider one of the best Moltres cards ever printed, elevating the legendary bird into true collector showcase territory.

#3. Cynthia's Garchomp ex Special Illustration Rare #232

	Cynthia's Garchomp ex #232 Special Illustration Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Cynthia's Garchomp ex Special Illustration Rare #232 is currently valued around $300 at the time of writing.

The third most expensive card in Destined Rivals is Cynthia's Garchomp ex SIR #232. This Special Illustration Rare showcases Sinnoh’s Champion and her iconic partner in a commanding, beautifully composed scene. Illustrated by newcomer HICO KIM, the card blends elegance and intensity, capturing Cynthia’s calm confidence and Garchomp’s overwhelming power. As one of the franchise’s most respected duos, this card’s debut left a strong impression and quickly became a defining highlight of Destined Rivals. Many collectors expected this card to be the 2nd most valuable in the set, but another card has taken that spot for now.

#2. Ethan's Ho-oh ex Special Illustration Rare #230

	Ethan's Ho-oh ex #230 Special Illustration Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Ethan's Ho-oh ex Special Illustration Rare #230 is currently valued around $360 at the time of writing.

At the #2 spot of the most valuable cards from Destined Rivals is Ethan's Ho-oh ex SIR #230. Ethan's Ho-oh ex SIR pays homage to one of Pokémon’s most unforgettable moments—Ho-Oh soaring overhead in the anime’s very first episode. Illustrated by Atsushi Furusawa, the card captures that same dreamlike atmosphere with dramatic lighting and perspective. Its composition echoes the beloved Lugia Alt Art from Silver Tempest, making it a natural complement for collectors drawn to Legendary lore and Johto-era nostalgia.

#1. Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Special Illustration Rare #231

	Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex #231 Special Illustration Rare Check eBay Check Amazon
Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Special Illustration Rare #231 is currently valued around $700 at the time of writing.

Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex SIR #231 takes the top spot in Destined Rivals, and it’s easy to see why. Illustrated by Iwamoto05, this card delivers a commanding scene: Giovanni stands in the foreground—an unusually prominent placement—while Mewtwo floats ominously behind him, glaring downward with raw intensity. The composition creates a chilling sense of power and control, placing the viewer in the role of the one being judged. With its dramatic lighting, rare perspective, and aura of intimidation, this card feels less like a collectible and more like a declaration. It’s the definitive chase card of the set.

Try your luck at pulling these cards from Destined Rivals:

	Destined Rivals Booster Box Contains: 36 booster packs. Check eBay Check Amazon
	Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box Contains: 9 booster packs, 1 full-art promo featuring Team Rocket's Wobbuffet, TCG accessories. Check eBay Check Amazon
	Destined Rivals Booster Bundle Contains: 6 booster packs. Check eBay Check Amazon
	Destined Rivals Booster Packs Contains: loose booster packs. Check eBay Check Amazon

That's it for the top 10 most valuable Destined Rivals Pokemon cards after pre-release. We will revisit the market prices for these cards after release so be sure to check back after May 31st!

Want to see more cards from the set? Check out these runner-ups, or check out our Visual Set List for Destined Rivals.

	Team Rocket's Giovanni Special Illustration Rare #238 Check eBay Check Amazon
	Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex Full Art Rare #213 Check eBay Check Amazon
	Misty's Psyduck Illustration Rare #193 Check eBay Check Amazon
	Team Rocket's Ariana Special Illustration Rare #237 Check eBay Check Amazon
	Team Rocket's Crobat ex Gold Secret Rare #242 Check eBay Check Amazon

  ...