Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals Arrives May 2025!
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is gearing up for its next big expansion—Scarlet & Violet: Destined Rivals, launching May 30, 2025! This set continues the trend of combining multiple Japanese expansions into one larger Western release, bringing together Heat Wave Arena and The Glory of Team Rocket into an exciting new expansion.
Key Details – What We Know So Far
🔹 Official Release Date: May 30, 2025 (UK & USA)
🔹 Pre-Orders: Expected to go live between May 17 – May 25, 2025
🔹 Set Theme: Trainer Rivalries & Team Rocket’s Influence
🔹 Inspired by Japanese Sets:
- Heat Wave Arena (featuring Cynthia’s Garchomp ex and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex)
- Steven’s Metagross ex & Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex Decks
- The Glory of Team Rocket (Rocket’s Mewtwo ex)
The set follows a trainer-vs-trainer rivalry theme, showcasing some of the strongest Pokémon owned by legendary characters in the Pokémon universe.
Why Isn’t This a Team Rocket-Themed Set?
Given that Rocket’s Mewtwo ex is a major feature in this expansion, many fans speculated that the set might carry Team Rocket branding. However, modern Pokémon TCG sets often merge multiple Japanese expansions into one, and calling it a "Rocket" set might have been misleading.
Historically, Team Rocket-themed sets like EX Team Rocket Returns (2004) were based on a single Japanese expansion, whereas Destined Rivals pulls from multiple sources, making the broader theme a better fit.
What Cards Can We Expect?
While the official card list has yet to be confirmed, Destined Rivals is expected to feature some highly anticipated Pokémon and their Trainers, based on the Japanese expansions it's drawing from.
Likely Featured Trainer-Pokémon Pairs:
- Cynthia – Garchomp ex
- Ethan – Ho-Oh ex
- Steven – Metagross ex
- Marnie – Grimmsnarl ex
- Team Rocket – Mewtwo ex
- Misty – Gyarados
There's some big hitters expected, which is likely to make Destined Rivals one of the year’s most sought-after expansions!
Can I Pre-Order Pokémon Destined Rivals?
At the time of writing, pre-orders for Destined Rivals have not yet gone live. However, based on previous expansions, pre-sales are expected to be available between May 17 – May 25, 2025.
Once pre-orders are live, you should be able to find booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes, and individual booster packs at retailers.
Get Ready for Destined Rivals!
📅 Mark your calendars for May 30, 2025, and stay tuned for more card reveals and pre-order updates from us as we get closer to launch. This set is shaping up to be one of the biggest of the year—don’t miss out!
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