Release Date: May 30, 2025
Set Size: Over 240 cards
Theme: Classic rivalries, Trainer synergy, and the return of Team Rocket
🔥 What’s the Hype About?
The upcoming Destined Rivals set is one of Pokémon’s most anticipated releases of the year. Combining nostalgia, competitive gameplay, and a wave of collectible art cards, it's got something for every kind of TCG fan. With Trainer-themed Pokémon, the return of Team Rocket, and jaw-dropping Illustration Rares, this set is already heating up conversations across the community.
🧪 What’s Inside the Set?
Here’s what to expect in Destined Rivals:
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Over 240 cards total
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83 “Team Rocket’s” cards featuring villain-themed Pokémon
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17 Pokémon ex, including 10 paired with iconic Trainers
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23 Illustration Rares (IRs)
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11 Special Illustration Rares (SIRs)
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6 Hyper Rare gold-etched cards
The set blends content from multiple Japanese releases: Glory of Team Rocket, Heat Wave Arena, and the Marnie vs. Steven starter decks.
👥 Trainer–Pokémon Highlights
Some of the best Trainer pairings to watch include:
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Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex
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Cynthia’s Garchomp ex
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Steven’s Metagross ex
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Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
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Misty’s Gyarados
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Arven’s Mabosstiff ex
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Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex
These aren’t just thematically cool — several of them are already testing well in competitive formats in Japan.
🖼️ Top Chase Cards to Watch
Collectors and resellers are particularly excited about:
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Marnie’s Grimmsnarl SIR (estimated to be a $100+ card raw)
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Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex Full Art ($60–80 range)
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Cynthia’s Garchomp ex SIR (estimated $50–70)
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Illustration Rare Gyarados (early buzz suggests $30–45)
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Gold Rare Steven’s Metagross (could hit up to $90 depending on grading)
These cards are getting the most attention for both their aesthetic and their scarcity.
🧠 Quick Mechanics Breakdown
If you're new to the game or returning after a break, here’s a refresher:
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Pokémon ex are strong evolution cards that, when knocked out, give your opponent two prize cards.
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Illustration Rares (IRs) feature full-scene or character-driven art and are low-pull, high-demand.
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Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) are ultra-scarce versions with detailed, full-bleed visuals.
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Hyper Rares are gold-etched, premium-tier cards with some of the lowest pull rates.
📉 What to Avoid
Not everything in Destined Rivals will hold value or be worth the investment. Consider skipping:
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Bulk Trainer cards that lack synergy or draw power
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Basic Pokémon with low stats and no evolution potential
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Non-holo rares that serve as filler in packs
These cards may be fun for casual play but usually offer little resale or grading value.
🛒 What Should You Buy?
Here’s how to approach product choices based on your goals:
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Collectors should aim for booster boxes to maximize IR and SIR pull chances.
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Display-focused fans might like ETBs (Elite Trainer Boxes) for the packaging, though pulls can vary.
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Budget buyers can look into blisters or checklane packs, but understand pull odds are lower.
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Competitive players should consider Build & Battle kits for early-access promos and playable decks.
Booster boxes are generally your best bet if you’re looking for raw value and chances at chase cards.
📈 Market Trends & Preorder Watch
Preorders for Destined Rivals sold out quickly on major platforms, including Pokémon Center. Early listings on resale sites show inflated prices, particularly for ETBs and sealed booster boxes.
The Pokémon Company has confirmed that restocks are coming — so don’t let the FOMO get you. If you missed wave one, wait it out or grab from a trusted local game store once inventory refreshes.
🏆 Should You Dive In?
For collectors – Yes. This set is loaded with stunning full arts and nostalgic Trainer-themed combos.
For players – Definitely. Garchomp, Grimmsnarl, and Mewtwo ex are already showing early meta potential.
For resellers – Absolutely. SIRs and Gold Rares are likely to hold value, especially in top-graded condition.
🎯 Final Thought
Destined Rivals is a collector's dream and a competitive player's playground. Whether you’re looking to rip for fun, flip for profit, or just enjoy the return of fan-favorite Trainers, this set delivers.
Just remember: patience is your friend. Buy smart, rip with purpose, and know what to chase before you tear open that pack.
💬 Want more tips on pulling, grading, and flipping Pokémon cards?
Explore the blog for deep dives and smart collector strategies.
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